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^k NO. CCCLIX 



PS 1499 

.085 F7 :nch's standard drama 

1870 

Copy 1 ^^m^^ 



"FROU FROU;" 

A Comeily of PowerM Hninan Interest, 

BY AUGUSTIN DALY, ESQ., 

AUTHOR OP 

••Under the Gaslight," "Flash of Lightning," "Leah the Forsaken," " GriffltH 
Gaunt," "Taming a Butteiliy," &c., &c. 



Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1870, by Auoustin Dalt, EsQ.f 
in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States^ 
for the Southern District of New York. 




NEW ^^^'.WUm♦l. 
SAMUEL FRENCH, PUBLISIIEU, 

122 Nassau Street. 
■ 6 " O 



CAST OF CHARACTERS.— [Frou Frou.] 
As originally produced at the Fifth Avenue Theater, Tuesday, Feb. \bth, 1870. 

Henri Saktorys, {The Husband of the Future) Mr. George Clarke. 

Brigard, {A Papa of t/ie Present) Mr. W. Davidge. 

COMTE De Valreas, ] ^' ^^ HuM, ""^ ^^'' [ ^^^' ^' ^^^^^' 
Baron De Cambri, i^The Husband of the Future) . .Mr. James Lewis. 

-D,„ S The Prompter tcho believes Nature on Kr^ rt t? t\^tt^^^ 

^"«^' ] the Stage to be Abominable, \ ^^- ^' ^- ^^^^^°- 

Vincent, Mr. George Jordan, Jr. 

Zanetto, {A Sunny Italian) Mr. "W. Beekraan. 

GiLBERTB, [" Frou Frou ") Miss Agnes Ethel. 

Louise, (Her Sister.) Miss Kate Newton. 

Baronne De Cambri, {A Woman of the Future) . . Mrs. G. H. Gilbert. 

Pauline, (A Maid of the Present) Miss Fanny Davenport. 

The Governess, .' Miss Emilie KiehJ. 

Angelique, Miss Amy Ames. 

Georgie, \ ^''''^^'^'' ^^^' ^^%f ^'^ ^-^^^'- \ Miss Gerty Norwood. 
' ] ance on any Stage. ) ^ 



TIME.— The Present. 

SCENE— Act 1st at Charmarettes. Act 2, 3 and 5 in Paris. Act 4— 
Venice. Lapse of four years between the 1st and 2d Acts, and 
a few weeks between the 2d and 3d and 3d and 4th. After the 
4th Ad, six months elapse. 



FEOU FEOU. 



ACT I. 

8CENE. — BrigarcYs house at Charmarettes. Parlor of the Chuteau opening 
on the terrace by three arc/ieJi which cross the stage at back from r. 2, e. to 
L. 4 E. A table bet'reen each arch c^ccupied with bronzes, flowers, etc. A 
pedestal with a vase of flowers, a table aiid a sofa on the l. 

Pauline is discovered as the curtain rises, to niernj music, arranging a bouquet 
in the vase at l. The noise of a whip is heard and she turns and locks off 
R. through the arches. 

Pauline Who's coming now ? [Goes to the arches and looks of.] Why, 
if it isn't Mademoiselle Gilberte and that charming M. de Valreas. 
What on earth can be the matter that they are galloping in that 
way? Ah, Monsieur might have spared his horse. Mademoiselle 
always comes in firi^t. Now he's assisting her to dismount. They 
are coming here ! [She runs to the vase of flowers again.] How long 
they are ! [Thirm.] Mademoiselle must have gone to her room 
direct. [Returns to arch c] That's certain, for here comes M. de 
Valreas alone. How gracefully he bears defeat. 

Bnter Valreas, r. c. looking back, 

Valreas Beaten again ! [Sees Pauline.] You there ! You see, 
Pauline, your handsome mistress and I have had another race. 

Pau [Laughing.] And my handsome mistress come in ahead. 

Val As usual ! [Throws hat and whip on sofa.] Yes. I acknowledge 
I'm beaten, and what's more, Pauline, I don't regret it. 
, Pau [Coming down H. c] You don't! Why not.' 



i FPtOU FROU. 

Val Because it's infinitely more agreeable to gallop "behlad than 
before lier. She has such an adorable way of sitting a horse — and 
to see her — ah, delicious little Frou Frou ! [Crosses to l. h. 

Fau What, Monsieur? You call her l)y that familiar name? 
Mademoiselle Gilberte would be very angry if she heard you call her 
Frou Frou. 

Val Why, it's her name. 

Pau It's her name for her father and her sister, but for you — 

Val For me too! YvHiat name could I give her, indeed, :iQore 
appropriate than that which seems to have been invented for the 
delicious little creature who bears it ? What else is she but Frou 
Frou? A noisy, bustling, busy little fairy— ever rustling, rustling, 
like the leaves stirred by a gentle wind. Frou Frou, always ; Frou 
Frou, everywhere ! In the house a door opens and down the stairs 
comes a rustle of skirts like a whirlwind. Frou Frou, Frou Frou ! 
j Imitatmg rustle of silk.] She bounds into the room with a joyous burst ! 
*ihe runs here and there —rummages about, disarranges everything — 
ifowns, laughs, talks, sings, plays, jumps, and whisks away again. 
Frou Frou, Frou Frou, always Frou Frou ! And I am sure, that 
■while she sleeps, the angel that watches over her waves its rustling 
wings with that dear little sound, Frou Frou ! [Crosses r. 

Fau Oh, indeed ! [Lookiiuj o/Tl.'J Well, you'd better stop and be 
proper, for her father is just dismounting at the gate. 

Vol So I will, for I've something to say to him so prodigiously 
serious, so prodigiously proper, in fact, [Laughing] that I don't 
know how to begin. 

Pau Something to say to Mademoiselle Gilberte' s father? 

Val Yes, to him, and then to her. Pauline, you are a young girl 
and you know what love is, don't you ? 

Faa Oh, I've had an ordinary education, sir, and love is one of the 
primary studies for girls. 

Val Of course it is. It's addition isn't it ? Or is it multiplicaton ? 

Pau Yes, sir — two and two make one. 

Val Well, then, you can appreciate my feelings when I tell you 
that I adore her— I have adored her ever since — 

Pau Two days ago, going on three ! Here comes M. Brigard, eir ; 
you'd better finish your declaration to him. Crosses to r. 

Enter Brigard with Baroxess, in riding habit, c. from l. 

Brigard [c] Hallo, Valreas, what did you and Giioerte mean by 
running off and leaving us two alone to follow you ? But then [Look- 
ing at Baroness ivith a look of gallantri/.] I don't complain ! 
B'ness [l. c] Well it would be strange if you did. 

[Sits on sofa and fans herself with paper that is lying there. 
Val [r. c] Why, it was a wager between Mademoiselle Gilberte 
and me as to which should get here first, and when we did, she went 
to her room to dress for dinner while I waited for you. 



FROU FRorr. 

Brig And amused yourself talking to the maid about her. Kslll^ 

ine, what's he been sajdng? 

Fail [r. II. corner.'] Saying, sir ? [Valreas motions her to slop 

Brig {Sitting c] Yes, saying. 

Pau He called Mademoiselle Gilberte Frou FroB, and asked if eho 
had a heart. 

Brig [Prefending serioiwiess.] "What? 

Val I didn't say anything. 

Brig [To Pauline.] That'll do. Go to Gilberte! [Exit Pauline, 
R. 1 E.] So )-ou' ve been trying to find out whether Gilberte has a 
heart, "eh? [Looks at Baroness and pauses.] Welt, I'll talk to you 
presently ; I must go and dress, and mind, before I come back, don't 
make anatomical investigations through any of the other servants. 

[Exits R. 1 E. 

Val [Following him to the door.] "Well, it's no harm, everyone has a 
heart. I didn't ask about her fortune or anything else that was 
mean. 

B'ncss Oh, Yalreas! Valreas! 

Val [Assuming air of gallantry.] "Well, what have I done now? 

[Crosses to c. 

B'ness [Looking at him through eye-glass.] I have known you for four 
years now, and if I Avere called upon to say what you are, I should 
be puzzled for an answer. 

Val [Making a gesture of surprise.] "What /am ? 

B'ness Yes, what you are. 

Val [Approaching her.] I am only a poor devil who is dying of lovo 
for you. 

B'ness Yes, I know — you've said that for four years and I see you 
are alive yet. 

Val For four years and no intermission for refreshments. 
' B'ness Nonsense 1 you've been here two days and, during that time 
you've done nothing but make love to little Gilberte. 

Val [Sitting beside her.] Don't you see that was only a little 
maneuver of mine ? 

B'ness To make n\e jealous? 

Val Yes. 

B'ness But how about that widow ? 

Fa^ "Widow? What widow? 

B'ness Who is dying of love for you, who is determined to get a 
husband and who has followed you from Paris down to this place. 
Don ' t deny it. / knoic 

Val You know ? [Baroness nods yes.] Who told you ? 

B'ness Aha 1 [Rises and crosses B. 

Val [Aside.] It's that rogue Brigard ! [Rising.] Ah, I see you 
won't believe in the deep ardor of my affection. You won't. 

B'ness [Meeting him c] No I won't. 
Vol Decidedly? 

B'ness Decidedly I 

Val Then I'm perfectly right in lavi^ng the ardor of my afifeo- 



ft FROU FROU. 

tion on Brigard's little daughter. And yuu know what the conso 
quences will be ? 

B'ness [In surprise.] The consequences ? 

Val Yes ! — a wedding, 

Ifness What ? You marry ? [Valrbas nods.] You marry ? 

Val Certainly! Won't she make a delicious little countess? — and 
the day we are married, what a gay, delightful, happy, joyous wed- 
ding we will have — with — 

B'7ies3 With music by Offenbach ? 

Val Well, why not ? And then there are typographical and geo- 
graphical reasons why we should marry. [Goe-s up to c. arch.'] There 
on the right, is the chateau of our friend Sartorys ; at the left, 
yonder, mine ; and this one we are in makes a third, which my friend 
Brigard bought two years ago. Doesn't it strike you as odd now, as 
a sort of destiny, that Brigard, with his two marriageable daughters, 
should come and settle here, between two bachelors — Sartorys and 
myself? 

B'ness It's quite delightful to hear you, I declare. 

[Returns to sofa. 

Val [c] y"ou must acknowledge that Providence never more clearly 
manifested its intentions. Neither Sartorys nor I will oppose fate. 
First marriage, Md'lle Louise Brigard and Mon. Henri Sartorys; 
music by Haydn, solemn, grand ; a union of wisdom and reason. 
Second marriage, Mdlle Gilberte and your humble servant ; a union 
of just the opposite. 

B'nesi How do you know, sir, that M. Sartorys loves Louise and 
wishes to marry her ? 

Val How do I know ? Why has he who never before spent a fort- 
night down at his chateau, now remained here— let me see— more 
than two months ? Why, unless he wishes to marry her, does he 
come here every day ? 

B'ness [Rising.] Well, that's something. 

Vol [Grossing l.] And then he's so well suited to her. Ba's so 
quiet and she's so quiet. 

B'ness [c] But suppose that — 

Val [Going to her quickly.] What ? 

Enter Baron de Camcri, l. c , carrying a tin box, such as Botanists collect 
their herbs in, on his shoulder. Wears a wide, -'^hite hat. 

B'ness [Quietly.] Nothing. 

Baron Here I am, my dear. 

Val Ah ! good morning, Baron. What liave you brought back 
from your early botanical excursion ? 

Baron Well, not much luck to-day. [To Baroness.] Here, my 
love, is something which I selected for you. [Offering an insignificant 
black flower.] Ugly, but very rare. I dug it out of a mud-bank, my 
darling, at the risk of my life. 

B'ness Dug it out of a mi;d-bank for me ? Really, you are too good. 
I don't care to rob the mud-b^nk. 



FROU FBOU. T 

B(tron But, my dear, you don't know what this is— it is the far- 
femed Achyrophorous Calendula Borkorsia Alpina. 

Val What? 

Baron The far-famed Achyrophorous Calendula Borkorsia Alpina. 

B'ness I don't care what it is. What have I told you, sir, re- 
peatedly ? 

Baron Told mo, my an^el ? 

B'ness Havn't I forbidden you ever to appear before me with that 
abominable tin box, and those dirty rocks and rubbish ? 

Baron Certainly, my love. You have told me in the most positive 
manner. I will go and put the dirty rocks and rubbish in the next 
room and return immediately. [Exits l. u. e. 

Val [ Watching his exit and then quiddy.'] Come, Baroness, you were 
about to say, just now— 

B'ness [Grossing L.] I ? When ? 

Vol When I spoke of a marriage between Louise and Sartorys — 

B'ness Oh, yes, I remember. I was about to say that it is evident 
you are in love with Gilberte, even if he be not with Louise. But I 
must go dress for dinner. 

[Curtsej/s elaborately and exits l. 1. e. liughing. 

Val [Taking the stage to n.] Certanly I am in love. 

Ee-enier Baron without box. 

Baron You see, my love, that it is only necessary for you to 
express a desire for to — 

[Sees, for the first time, that the Baroness has departed. 

Val She's gone. Baron. [Sits r. beside table. 

Baron Gone, eh ! well that's just like her. It's the Baroness all over. 
You enter the room — "Go out" she says, "and don't return until 
you have done this or that for penance." "You go out, you submit. 
You come back only to find that she's gone out herself and there 
are vou, as it were, completely wrung out. That's my wife. 

Val Ah ! indeed ! 

Baron Don't sit there and say " ah ! indeed !" in that way. You 
know it as well as I do. 

Val Who? I? 

Baron Oh, yes! you, and a good many others. [Valreas leans 
forward.'] You are not the only one who has been trying to make 
love to her. [Valreas draws back.'] Oh, I've had my eye on all 
your maneuvers. 

Val [Laughs.] What an interesting subject of contemplation. 

Baron Oh, yes! I've watched you all and I've pitied you. Val- 
EEA3 becomes serious and angry.] Oh ! I could tell you some of the 
drollest things about the other poor devils. [Laughs andthen suddenly.] 
But it would take too long. Let's speak of you alone Now, for in- 
stance — 

Val [Assuming virtuous air.] Me ! Never ! never ! 

Baron Oh, yes, you ! You have tried three times to make love to 
my wife. The first attemnt, as was natural, the day after that oa 



6 FROU FEOU. 

■wiiich I introduced you to her. The second— two years afterwards 
at the races. You remember, you rode a yellow horse there, as an 
amateur jockey, and you thought that by exhibiting yourself in an 
orange-colored jacket without any tails, and on a yellow horse, you 
could make an impression, ha ! lia ! AVell, the Baroness and I had a 
good laugh over you that day. The third attempt, you have made 
here in this house. [Valreas starts.'] And it was because your third 
attempt was as unfortunate as the two first that you have commenced 
to adore little Frou Frou. 

Val Pooh ! You've been dreaming. 

Baron Oh, you're right to give up the idea. The Baroness is not 
the woman to be made love to. Her temper is— is— so— so — well, 
it's tremendously unpleasant for me, but it reassures me as to every 
other man. [Rising. 



Val [Rising.] I congratulate. 

Tinrnn Oh I v 



Baron Oh ! you needn't be sarcastic. T don't mind your temper, 
any more than your love making. [Crosses to l.] It's no go, my 
dear boy, it's no go ; so don't waste any more time over it. 

[Saunters off, L. 1 £. 

Enier Brigard, r. 1 e. , dressed for dinner. 

Brig Hallo, are you still there ? 
, Val Yes, I waited, because I wished to speak with you. 

Brig Well, it's about time we had a little serious conversation. 

Vai I really believe it is. 

Brig Gilberte has been telling me that while you were riding with 
her this morning, you began to talk in a singular manner about 
hearts, and affections, and other etceteras. Now what have you 
been saying to her? 

Val Nothing that a young lady could not listen to. 

Brig Oh ! you think so do you ? 

Val Certainly, since I have made a resolution to turn over a new 
leaf and make amends for all my past follies. 
J Brig What? 
* Val Yes, I've made up my mind to many. 

Brig You marry ? 

Val Yes, why not ? I was never more serious. 

Brig That's not saying much. Now listen to me, my boy, I like 
you very much, really, very much. I've been about town with you 
for a couple of years;' in fact, I showed you life when you first came 
to Paris. We've had jolly times together, and I like no one better 
than you. But as for giving you my daughter, never, as long as 1 
live, friend of my bosom. 

Val Why not? I would make her perfectly happy. In the first 
place, she would be a countess. 

Bng [Crossing to sofa, l.] Oh ! that's nothing. 

Val Why not ? 

Brig \^PuUing Im haiids in his pockets and unintenfionaU'/ jingling money.] 
You know, my dear fellow, if 1 chose, I could have a duke. [Sits. 



fhou FBotr. 9 

Val Ilumiih ! well it's rather bad taste to jingle your money in 
that way at me. 

Brig Why, I never dreamed of such a thing, especially to you, 
who are richer than I. Besides, 1 take it all back about the duke. 
i Val [c] And you will give mo your daughter ? 

Brig What ! my little Frou Frou ? My little tempest ? My little 
darling ? Most certainly [Yaj^vias Jumps towards him as Briqard rises.] 
not! 

Val [Neflled.] Why so, since you like me? 

Brtg It's precisely because I do like you, or rather on account of 
the reasons that I like you. You see ? You are too jolly a com- 
panion to be trusted as a son-in-law? Besides, there's that widow 
who is aficr you, 

Val Devil take tbe widow. For two days I have taken refuge 
under your roof to avoid her. Doesut that prove there's nothing 
serious in that quarter ? 

Brig Ah ! you rogue. You can't tell me. Widows don't rua 
about after handsome boys like you without encouragement. 

Val But I'm determined to have nothing to do with her, to be- 
come a new man. I really believe if I had some friend who would 
stand by me now I might become worthy of existence and not tha 
cursed nonentity I have been. 

Brig [Eying him closely.'] You really wish then — 

Val [Grasping his hand warmly.] Will you? 

Brig [Bursti g out laughing.] Oh, anything to oblige a friend. 

Val What do you mean ? 

Brng Oh ! nothing. I'm going to drive the widow away. 

[Going 0. 

Val That's right, and when you return I will address you formally 
with my request. 

Brig [Stops.] What request? 

Val Why, my request for your daughter, of course. 

Brig What ! you've got back to that again, have you ? 

Enter Louise, r. 1. e. 

Ah ! Louise, you've just come in time. [To Valrbas.] Now talk 
to her about your preposterous ideas. 

Louise [c] What ideas? 

Brig Come, but with it. 

Val [r. c] Oh ! you needn't try to frighten me. 

Brig [Returning, takes Louise's hand.] It is perfectly well understood 
in this household, that in this little brain [Tapping her forehead.] 
dwells all the wisdom of the Brigard family ; and that all questions 
of serious import must be referred to Louise. 

Louise Well? [Seriously. 

Val Well, I've just asked of your father, the hand of Md'lle 
Gilberte in marriage. 

LouUe The hand of Gilberte ? [Surprised and ther. smiling. 

yizl ISeriouslg.] What do you answer. Mademoiselle ? 



10 FROU FHOTJ. 

LmisG [c] My answer is, that if you do not maka haste and drew 
for dinner, the same thing will happen to-day that occurred yester- 
day — you will be late. 

Brig [l. c] There, are you satisfied ? 

Val Very well, as no one will listen to me seriously — 

Louise [Crossing L.] Go and dress for dinner. 

Briff [Aside to Valreas ] You still authorize me to go to the 
widow. 

Val [With diffnity.'] Certainly, sir. 

Brig Then I'm going. [Exits c. and L. 

Louise [To Valreas] Havn't you gone yet ? 

I shan't go until you tell me why you oppose my marrying Qllberte, 

Louise Well, I suppose I must, or you'll never be ready. 

Enter Vincent, l. c. 

VinceiU Mon. de Sartorys. 

Louise rises and turns toioards c. and l. cw {f tciih pleasure as Sartorts 
eni.ers C. , and ViNOENT goes out. 

Sartorys Mademoiselle. [Bows to Louise. 

Louise Did you see my father ? 

Sar I've just met l\jpi. [To Valreas.] I hope you are well, Paul f 

Vcd [Mournfully.'] Very well — that is, when I say very well— ah ! 
my dear friend, if you only knew how they treat me in this house. 

Louise [To Valreas.] You'll never bo ready for dinner. 

Val [To Louise, who looks at him, laughing.] I'm going ! I'm going I 

[Exits L. 1 E. , sighing. 

Louise [To Sartorys.] How late you are to-day ! 
[Her manner must evince love for him and pleasure in his company. She 
motions to a chair ; they sit.] 

Sar [Seriously.] I suppose I'm late, because I left home earlier than 
usual. [Louise laugJis.] I'll explain. I was in such a hurry to get 
here that I started from the Chateau at a full gallop ; but, when I 
got within a hundred paces of the gate, I stopped, turned my horse, 
and for a whole hour, walked him about the neighborhood. I came 
back to the gate three times and three times turned away again. 
The fourth time, however, I did like all cowards when they make up 
their minds to be brave. I plunged in head foremost and here I 
am a little later than usual, perhaps, but still, here I am. 

Louise [Who has followed him tcith interest and laughingly, hut now Je- 
ginning to show her emotion.] What was the cause of this hesitation ? 

Sar It is because I have decided to say something to-day that I 
have wished to say for the last month. That is the reasob why I 
trembled all the way her'3 and why I still— 

Louise [Co7ifused.] If what you have to say is so very serious— 

Sar [Earnestly.] It is. 

Jjouise [Moved.] Perhaps you had better wait — 

Sir Oh no, I must positively go through with it to-day. Besides, 
before I speak I can gain courage by remembering how good you 



FROU FEOU. 11 

haro always been to me. And then, your father authorized me to — 

Louise Oh ! if papa — 

Sar He did 1 and more than that, he said I must first speak to you. 

Louise [De^p emotion.] To me ! 

Sar [Taking her hand.] Have you not guessed ? I am in love. 

Louise [Scarcely axidihU.] You love ! 

Sar Yes ! I love, madly, devotedly— your sister ! Gilberte ! 
[Louise as if petrified, at first says nothing, simply raises her eyes to Sae- 
T0RY3, then-— 

Louise Gilberte ! 

Sar Did you not suspect it ? 

Louise [Breathless.] No. 

Sar [Without looJcing at her and as if speaking to nimsclf] It seemed to 
me as if everybody must have noticed it. 

Louise You love my sister? 

Sar Yes, and that is why I appeal to that friendship which you 
have always shown me. Tell me, then, what vou think of this 
avowal which I have just made ? [Pause.] You do not answer. 

Louise I understand you perfectly. You love Gilberte and you ask 
me — 

Sar If you approve of this marriage. 

Louise [Crossing before himP\ I approve — I approve of it. 

Sar [Rising.] You will be on my side then ? 

Louise Yes, for I know of no man more worthy, no one who could— 
better than you— 

Sar [Interrupting her ard taking her hand, which she withdraws in pain.} 
Thank you, Louise, thank you. 

Louise [Slowly and looldng at him with a melancholy smile.] At first I 
was surprised, you understand? It is necessary, you know, to be- 
come accustomed to an Idea. And now — I am so. [This said after a 
struggle icith her own emotions, ichich she conceals from Sartoeys.] You 
are just the husband I Avould have chosen for her, for I have often 
thought of Gilberte' s marriage, and sometimes with fear. Her wil- 
fulness and frivolity have made mo tremble for the future. 

[Sits on sofa. 

Sar Ah ! 

Louise And I have never thought until this moment, that in order 
to save her from any danger, it was only necessary to give her to a 
man like you. 

Sar Do not let us blame what you call her frivolity, for I confes? to 
you it is a little on account of that I love her. Still, if you think it 
best, I will try to teach her — but by degrees^ 

Louise How much you love her I 

Sar Yes. 

Louise But why did you come to me ? 

Sar Because your father told me it was you I must speak to— 

Ijouise Well, you have spoken to me and I have answered you. 
And now, [Sartor ys sits beside her.] what more ? 

Sar You— you will speak to her, to Gilbert© for ms? 

Louise 1 1 



12 Fnotr FROU. 

Sar If I tried to speak myself, the same thing -vrould happen thak 
happened a while ago, I should go wandering wildly about, afraid to 
dome boldly up to the gate— I mean the point. Or, if I did speals, 
what I would say might be more disastrous than my silence. She 
might laugh, and then— I prefer that you should speak to her. Tell 
her all the good you can of me, and even a little more— that will do 
no harm. But, I beg of you, don't say that my character is serious 
or severe ; there is the greatest danger. Tell her that, in spite of my 
appearing quiet, and grave, and awkward, that I love her as madly 
as any of the young fellows who surround her. [liisinff.] Oh ! if 
you only knew how I have envied Valreas, who can make love to a 
dozen women, one after the other. Tell her, above all, not to think 
me stupid ; for, by an unfortunate fatality, those who can love the 
most are always the ones who know least how to speak of love. 

Louise [Rising.] Yes, yes —I promise. 

Sar [c] You will speak to her? When? 

Louise [l. c] As soon as I see her. In a few minutes. 

Sar [Agitated.] In a few minutes ? 

Louise Do you not wish me to ? 

Sar Yes, but not while I am here. 

Louise Certainly not ! But what will you do while I am pleading 
your cause ? 

Sar I will go out there —in the park — and walk up and down. I 
•will not lose sight of this room. [Jot/oush/.] If the answer be ' ' yes," 
you will have but a sign to make ; if it be " no ' ' — [Sadly. 

Louise If it be no? 

Sar I will mount my horse and return home. 

Jjouise [Holding out her hand.] Without a farewell ? 

Sar Ah, Louise ! all my life hangs on yes or no. [Lhtening off r. 
Music] Hark ! do you not hear her ? Her footsteps on the staircase? 
The rustle of her skirts ? — 
^ Louise Always the same noisy Frou Frou. 
; Sar She comes like a little tempest. [Gets r. u. 8. 

Enter Gilberte in dinner toilet, like a ivhirlwind, r. 1 e. holding a bracelet 
in her hand. 

Gil [c] Louise, fasten me this ? 

Louise What? [Sartorts gets down r. gradually. 

Gil This bracelet ! I can't ! [Holds out her left arm ; Louise fastens the 
bracelet.] Good gracious ! how your hand trembles ! What is the 
matter with you ? [Seeing Sartorys, extends her right hand to him, 
Louise still retaining the left.] Your servant, Mon. Sartorys ! 

Sar [Talcing her hand.] Mademoiselle. [Bows. 

Gil Why, your hand trembles too ! [Sartorys and Louise look at 
each oilur, each holding a hand of Gilberte.] What, both of you ? 
Why, what's going on here? 

Ixiuise [To Sartorys.] Well, sir, since it is impossible for yon to 
remain quiet — [Smilingly. 

Gil [Knowingly] Oho! [Lauglia, 

Louise You had better go and walk about a little. 



FROU FROtr. 18 

Sar Yes, Mademoiselle, I am going — to walk about a little. 

[Exits c. and l. loiih last gesture to Lodise. 

Gil And now, my dear sister, [Taking both her hands.] let me beg 
your pardon for coming in so abruptly and spoiling your tete-a-teto. 
But why did he go away ? He should have stayed here and kept quiet, 
and, as soon as I saw which way the wind blew, I'd have gone around 
the room as if I was looking for something, and then — fizz ! gone out 
again and left you two to yourselves. That's the way to manage it. 
You see I know. 

Louise You were perfectly right in coming, Gilberte, and still more 
80 to stay. It was of you we were talking. 

Gil Of me ? 

Louise Mon. Sartorys asks for your hand. 

Gil [Amazed.] What do you say ? 

Louise I say that Mon. Sartorys has asked for your hand. He hag 
spoken to father already, and he, knowing the affection I have for 
you, my dear Gilberte, advised him to speak to me. 
- Gil My hand ! Sartorys ! Impossible ! You must be mistaken. 

Louise But I am not mistaken. 

Gil Then he is mistaken. It is you that he is in love with. 

Louise It is you. 

Gil I? 

LouiM He told me so, and begged me to repeat it to you, and — 

Gil Well ! 

Louise He waits for youj answer. 

Gil My answer ! Now? Before I've time to take breath! And 
you say he spoke to papa about it ? 

Louise Yes. 

Gil And papa left it to you ? 
• Louise Blather could not give the answer, it is you alone. 

Gil No, no, no, no ! It's too serious for me. I have always said, 
when the question of my marriage came, I would go and find my 
sister Louise, who is so good and so wise, and I would beg her — 

Louise No, Gilberte, no. 

Gil Yes, yes ! I do as papa does— I refer it to you. You must 
decide for me. I will give whatever answer you advise me. 

Louise [ With an effort.] In that case, I advise you to answer — yes I 

Gil Louise, have you reflected ? — 

Louise Yes. Sartorys' merit is universally acknowledged. 

Gil Oh, I know he has merit, a great deal too much, ;>erhaps. 

Louise How so ? 

Gil Louise, sit here with me. [Louise on sofa, Gilberte cJiair.] I 
am going to speak serious now. Monsieur Sartorys, I acknowledge, 
is a man to whom it is almost impossible to say no. Let me see — 
what do they say ho will yet become with his talents ? 

Louise Oh ! minister somewhere — an ambassador. 

Gil {PhyfuU}/.] And I would be an ambassadress ! That would be 
nice, if it were only in Paris. [Seriously.] But if I do him justice, I must 
do myself the sime. I am full of faults ; you know it and so do I, 
and it ecemo to mo that thesa faults of mine are the very ones Sar" 



14 FROU FROU. 

torys should wish in a wife if he hopsd to he entirely unhappy. [Sfit 
laughs, LO01SE rnakes a gesture of disqffirnuMux.] Oh, you think he would 
cure me? I am sure he could not. I have airways been spoilt— by 
papa first, then by you. By you still more than papa. [Louisb makes 
g-xme geMure.] Yes, still more. And, what is still more, I am posi- 
tively decided to remain hopelessly ill of those faults and never to bo 
cured, for I am perfectly satisfied with myself just as I am. If I 
married M. do Sartorys we would have such battles. 

Louise He loves you. Gilberte. 

Gil Are you very sure ? 

Louise Did you not see a little wbile ago ? 

GU [A pause; she reflects ] And so it is I he loves. [Lait^is.] What 
a funny idea. [Rises. 

Louise [Animated ; rising.l Is it nothing to be loved by such a man ? 
To see that he trembles before you like a child ? [Still more animated.] 
It seems to me if I were asked who is it I love, I should say with 
pride : " Look for the man who is superior to everyone about him— 
it is he." 

Gil [Going to her andpuUinj her arjm around her waists] Do you know 
one thing, sister Louise ? 

Lmdse What is it ? 

Gil I will not marry Mon. Sartorys. 

Louise Why ? 

Gil [Demurelij.] Because, up to this time, 1 thought that tfou loved 
him ; and now — I am sure of it. 

Louise I? 

Gil [PaUinj LoriSE's chmk.] Tes, you. 

Louise [ Very quietly.] If I loved him I would not advise you to 
marry him. 

Gil [Movifiy aioay] Louise, I'm become afraid of you. I believe 
you are— first, capable of sacrificing yourself for me and then of being 
proud of the sacrifice. 

Louise [Going to Gtilbertk and putting her arm about her waist,] Then, 
this time, little sister, you are wrong. My afi'ection for you is cer» 
tainly very great, but, however great it might be, if I loved, I would 
not— 

[An imperceptible look of pain pas.^s over her face, not seen by Gilbeetb. 

Gil [Doubtingly, and looking down.] Do you speak truly ? 

Louise [Gaily.] Absolutely. And if you have no other objection to 
this union — 

Gil Objections ! Oh, I've plenty of them ; but I don't know whether 
they amount to anything. So I will do as I have always done— place 
myself in your hands. Must I say yes, or no ? [Louise about to speak.] 
Do not answer too quickly. Be serious ; and before answering, think 
of everything. 

Louise I have thought of everything. 

Gil And you believe — 

Louise I believe that Monsieur Sartorys will be too happy with you, 
for you not to be always happy with him. 
- Oil [Smilinff.] So I must answer Yes ? 



FROU FROTJ. 16 

Louise [Kissing>^er.] You must answer Yes. V 

Enter Brioard, l. u. B. 

Brig Well, have you spoken to her? 

Louise [c] Yes. 

Brig And her answer ? 

Louise She consents. 

Brig [Kissing Gilbkrte.] You little angel ! 
[Louise goes down n. n., just pressing hmdkerchi^ to her eyes^ and recovering 
immediately. '\ 

Gil So you are satisfied, papa ? 

Brig I'm delighted ! And now I can give that young rascal, Yal- 
reas, a categoric.il answer. 

Gil Answer 1 about what ? 

Brig [Laughing.'] Why, he asked for your hand, too. 

Louise [Turns, laughincj,'] So he did. 

Gil [To Brig.] And that makes you laugh? [To Louise.] And 
you, too? Well, it is very probable that if he had spoken to me I 
would have laughed more than either of you. [Gravely.'] Who 
knows, perhaps that folly would have been the most reasonable. 
However, it is decided. 

Brig But— 

G'ti Don't let's say anything more about it. It is decided. [Cart-> 
acys and laughs.] Consider me an ambassadress. [Goes n. to Louise. 

Brig [o.] So I can call in poor Sartorys, who is in the park? 

Gil In the park ? 

Brig [Goes upc] Yes ; there he is, look at him. 

Gil [Laughing.] Poor fellow ! Yes, call him in. 

Brig Sartorys, here ! Sartorys I Come here, a moment, my boy ; 
I've something to say to you. 

Enter Valreas, l. 1. e., in full evening dress, with a large camelia in hit 
bution-hole. f 

Val Well, you see I'm not lato for dinner ! [Seeing every one silent} 
Hallo ! something's going on ! [ITe goes to Brig, l. c. 

Enter SARTOars, guvcHy, l. u. e. Louise advances to meet him, Gilbert! 
reinains r. c. Sartorys o. 

Louise \To Sartorys.] You will dine with us, Monsieur. Gilberte 
begs yon i,o remain. 

GU [Ihlding out her hand.] Yes, I ask you. 

Sdr [Grosnng Louise and Icissing Gilberte' s hand.] Oh ! if you only 
knew how happy — [Louis'^, saunters up c. 

Gil I know. [They go up r. c. 

\al [Aside to BRiaARD, bringing him down.] What's to become of me? 

Brig [Aside to Valreas.] Well, now, I hope you'll let me alone. 

%ai [Same.] Then I suppose I'd better look after the widow ? 

Brig [Sa'.nr.] Sbe's gone. [Go^^ up c. to Lovtse. 

Val Gone ? Well, that's consoling. 



16 FROU FROtT. 

Enter Barox and BaroneSs, in fuU dress for dinner, t. 1 a. 

Yal Ah, Baroness ! what a delicious toilet. 
[Kisses her hand. Baron puts glass to his eye, atid looks on Valreas 
complacentb/.] 

Bar \ Aside to YaTjReas.] What is going on? Ah! M. de Sartorys 
and Gilberte. I thought so. 

Val Exactly. It's a match. "What kind of music would you sug- 
gest for that marriage ? eh ? 

Bar "What music? Music of the future. "We will wait and see. 

Val Gilberte gone ! the widow gone ! Baroness, I have no one to 
adore now, but you. 

Baron [Nudging Valreas.] Go it, my boy. Fourth attempt. 

[Takes stage R. 

Brig To Dinner ! 
[Brigard and Louise, Valreas atid Baroness, Sartorts and Gilberte, 
Baron. Curtain.] 



ACT II. 

SCENE. — The house of Sahtorys, in Paris. Sofa n, front to audience. 
Fiano behind sofa, tip and doton stage. Round table l. h. C'limncy L. 
n. Ijorge mirror over mantelpiece. Flowers and pedestals about room. 
Marble bust on stand c. Fictwe of Frou Frou on easel above l. table. 
Chairs r. and l. Walls covered ivith pictures. Arm chair l. of table. 

PiTOU discovered, Jmt in hand, sitting on chair L, , with book and roll i)j 
music in liand. ' 

Pitou The greatest folly of a ftishionable woman is to appear on the 
Btage of a theater ; the next to the greatest folly is to wish herself 
there ; and the folly before that is to take part in private theatricals. 
[Ris&^.] But they all do the last — all. [Goes to piano and touches il.] 
Good instrument— musical taste, evidently. [Yaivns.] I wish some 
one would come. I' ve been waiting five minutes since I sent up my 
card. [Adjusts eye-glass and looks from picture to ■picture.'] Not bad — not 
bad. 

Enter Pauline, l. 1, e. 

Pauline Madame will see you, sir, in a moment. She expected 
you. Monsieur Pitou, is it not ? 

Pilou Yes, Mademoiselle. M. Pitou, of the Theater Palais Roval. 

Fan Oh, yes ' you have been anxiously expected by Madame ! sho 
wishes to see you about — about— pshaw, about — 

Pitou [Dryly.] You dor.'t know why? [Yavlvht^ shakes her head,] 
You her maid, and not know what she's doing ? 

Pau Oh, I know when she goes out to walk with M. de "Valreas. 

Pitou M. dc Valreas is a charming gentleman. He adores Madam« 
Bartorys ' ch ? 



I'ROV FROU. 17 

Pau He may do what he pleases, but Madame adores only hor 
husband. 

Fitou And does her husband approve of this little affair ? 

Pctu What little affair? 

Pitou Why, the private theatricals that Madame and the Baroness 
de Cambri and M. do Valreas are getting up. 

Pau Private theatricals ! oh, that Baroness ! she never gives a poor 
girl a chance to learn anything that she's up to. So quiet— so sly ! 

Pitou Yes, very quiet now. Once on a time, when I was a littlo 
younger, she was the belle of Paris— such adventures, too ! Ha ! 

Pau And so they are getting up private theatricals ! and is my lady 
going to act in them ? 

Pitou I should think so ! I bring her the prompt-book and muwo 
to-day for her part. 

Pau And what is her part? 

P?Yo?( Cleopatra, in the burlesque Vaudeville entitled "Antony 
and Cleopatra." Do you know it? [Paumne shakes her head.] Why, 
Cleopatra is a little grisette who lodges in a garret. Antony is a 
poor devil of a fellow, who lives in the attic next to hers. They 
meet at a masked ball — they come home together — the eheriffs are 
about to seize him for debt — she lots him out of his attic into her 
garret— they elope, and the curtain falls. 

Pau And is madame— a lady— rich — distinguished— the wife of a 
Statesman like M. Sartorys— going to act the part of such a vulgar 
grisette ? 

Pitou [Shrufiging his shoulders.] It's only private theatricals, you 
know. Besides, the Baroness do Cambri and M. de Valreas se- 
lected the part. And then, you know, rich ladies like to act the 
..parts of saucy servant maids in private theatricals. They love to im- 
itate the low lives they scorn. Now, you — you would like the part 
of a duchess if you were to act — wouldn't you ? 
3f J'au Wouldn't I ? 1 want to be a queen. 
"■ Pitou Why don't you go on the stage? I'll teach you. 
You have a good figure, if it's properly dressed ; and a good face, if it 
were properly painted. 

Pau ]So, sir ! My face and figure are natural, and I'm proud of it. 

Pitou Natural, my dear ! [Ej/iny her through, glass, and patting her 
cheek.] You mustn't be proud of nature if you want to be an actress. 
No one wants to be natural on the stage, where the daylight is gas- 
lamps, the moon green calciums, the landscape painted canvasses, 
the gold dutch metal, and the diamonds tin ! 

Pau But I thought actors and actresses were praised because they 
were natural. 

Pi'-ou Nature— nonsense ! The actor who should strive to be na- 
tural would be a blundering booby, and the public would like him aa 
little as they do raw meat on the table, although meat in a state of 
nature is raw. Human taste wants cookery, that's all. Natural 
acting, my dear, is only nature, boiled, baked or roasted. {Music 

Gilberte [ Without.] Pauline ! 

Pau Madame ! 



IS FROU FPvOU. 

Eider Gilberte c. from l. 

Gil Pauline, send at once for my dress. I will not dine at home 
to-day, and I must have that dress. I must have it hefore six 
o'clock. 

Pati Tes. Madame. [EtH r. 1. b. 

Gil [To PiTOU.] You have lost no time, sir. a: 

Pitm Not when I knew it was Madame I was to oblige. \> 

[Bows profoundly.] 

Gil You know me, then? 

FUou Oh, yes. I also know the father of Madame— M. Brigard— a 
very lively gentleman. He comes very often to our theater ; and 
sometimes behind the scenes, and sometimes^ 

Gil That will do. What have you brought me ? 

Fiiou [Giving hook.'] Your role in the Vaudeville. If Madame only 
knows the part by the printed book, Madame can have no idea of it. 
This is the complete part, with all the gags in the margin. 

Gil The gags ! [Sits on «)/a.] 

Piion [c] Yes, Madame ; the additions which the actors who 
played in the piece have added to their parts. 

Gil. Very well ; and now we want the music. 

Pifoit. I have copied it. [Giving roll. 

Gil [Reading.] Air: " Galop du Tourbillon." What air is that? 

Pitoi I will play it for Madame. [Goes lo piano.] Like this. 

Gil Will I be able to sing that? 

FUou Oh, yes, for Madame can't have a worse voice than some of 
our public sinccers. Will you practice it ? 

Gil Go on, I'll try. 

[A knock is heard at the door. PiTOU stops. It k repeatm. 

Gil [Tarninq toivards R. H.] Who is there ? No one is to come in. 

Sartorys [Withmt.] It is only me, dear. 

Gil Ob, only you. Come in. 

Enter Sartorys, r. 1. e. | 

My dear, this is M. Pitou, from the Theater. Go on, sir, \ 

Sar From the theater ? 

Gil Yes, you knov/. It's about the little piece I'm to play in for 
the benefit of the poor. 

Sar I had something to say to you— but I'm sorry I interrupted — 

Gil Oh, M. Pitou can come again. You can come again, M. 
Pitou. 

ntou Whenever you please, Madame. You have only to send me 
word at the Theater Palais Pioyale. [SaMing.] Monsieur— Madame ! 

Sar [o.] Good morning, Monsieur. [Exii Pitou, c. and l. 

Gil [Coming doicn to Sartorys.] You know what it's all about. It's 
for the performance— a magnificent performance— got up by Madame 
de Cambri, for the benefit of the poor. 

Sar And what does Madame de Cambri ii^ay in this magnificent 
performance ? 

Gil She don't play anything— she gets it up. 



FROU FROU. 19 

Sar That's her way. 

Gil How her way V 

Sar I mean that while you and the others are running ahout, act- 
ing on the stage, she is sitting very tranquilly in front with the other 
guests, criticising your performance. 

Gil \_SitUng on sofa.'] You don't like her. 

Sir I don't like her, and I don't dislike her. She is merely a wo- 
man of the world— that is all. 

Gil And I — what am I? [Lookiiig at him roguishly. 

Sir [Standing beside her.] The most adorable little actress in the 
world. 

Gil Very pretty, indeed. [Turning aver the leaves of her jforl.] You 
wished to speak with me ? 

Sxr Yes. 

Gil [Turning over the leaves of her part and speaking heedlessly.] Speak 
away. 

Sir [Looking discontentedly at the book she is studying.] It w^as about 
something entirely discorinected with this magnificent performance 
for the benefit of the poor. 

Gil [Si/ne bus.] Something serious ? 

Sir Very serious ! [Sajne bus. 

Gil [Sinie bus.] That's nice. Go on. 

Sir [Tiking chair by sofa.] My darling, I wanted to say — 

Gil [Interrupting him.] What is the costume of a debardeur? 

Sir [Surprised^] The costume of a debardeur ? 

Gil Oh, you can't make me believe you don't know what the cos- 
turn 3 of a debardeur is. 

Sir Why, the costume of a debardeur consists of a loose silk shirt 
and a— a— a pair of little pantaloons of velvet or satin. 

Gil And what else? 

Sir Hum! Buttons— plenty of buttons. 

GH And then ? 

Sar A little cap. | 

Gil And after that ? '$ 

Sir Nothing. 

Gil Nothing ! Oh, I'll never wear that costume — not even for the 
benefit of the poor. I must find something else. And now, my dear, 
I'm rea ly to listen to you. 

Sir I've seen the Minister of State this morning. 

Gil [Putting down book.] You told him to come, of course. 

Sir To come where ? 

Gd To our performance. 

Sir Well, no ; but I will tell him ! This morning we spoke of an 
appointment they have for me. They want me to take an embassy 
abroad. 

Gil [Alarmed.] Abroad? 

Sir You see, there is nothing in Paris they can give me. 

Gil [Peltishbi.] And where do they want you to go ? 

Sir To Carlsruhe ! Ambassador to Carlsruhe. Isn't that splendid ? 

Gil Oh, very splendid. And how far is Carlsruhe from Paris i* 



20 FROU FROU. 

Sar I don't know exactly — three or four hundred miles; fifteen 
hours by rail. 

Gil As far off as Baden ? 

Sar It is very near Baden. 

Gil [Rising.] Near Baden! why didn't you say so before. [Grosses 
L.] you said it was abroad. I'll tell you how we'll manage it. [[Sar- 
tor ys ?-w<?5.] You shall be Ambassador to Carlsruhe — that's settled. 
[Sartor Y3 takes her hand.] I'll go and pass the summer with you at 
Baden, and the balance of the year you will come to Paris and see 
me as often as you can. 

Sar How ! 

Gil [Gleefully and rapid'y .] And I may — but mind, I don't promise 
it — I may come and surprise you at Carlsruhe. 

Sar [In a tone of disappointment.'] But — 

Gil [Stopping astonished.] Why, you didn't think of taking mo to 
Carlsruhe ? 

Sar Why, yes. 

Gil Alone — we two way off there — all the year ? 

Sar Why not ? 

Gil But that would be to die — of happines«!, I know — but to die, 
nevertheless. [Smiling and coaxingly.] Come, you were not serious/ 
can you imagine Frou Frou without Paris ? 

Sar Well to tell you the truth, I did ! [Gilberte turns aioay pet- 
iishly.] But I see I must do one of two things; go to Carlsruhe with- 
out you, or decliiK! the mission. 

Gil [r. n ] Well. 

Sar [c] I have decided. 

Gil [Interested.] You will go without me? 

Sar No ; I will decline. 

Gil Ah, that will be right. [Goes to him. 

Sar Do you think so ? I doubt it myself. But one thing I'm sure 
of — I haven' t the heart to leave you. 

Gil [Putting her arm about him.] You love me, then, a little still, 
after four years of marriage. 

Sar Yes, Gilberte ! and I am only afraid that I do not know how to 
love. 

Gil [Archly.] Oh, yes, you «o. _ou know very well, for the very 
best way to love a wife is to let her do everything she wishes — be- 
cause then, you know, the wife is bound in honor to do everything 
her husband wishes. 

Sar [Talcing her hands in hi^.] Then, if I aske- you something— 

Gil After what you have done for me, can you doubt / 

Sar Then, suppose I ask you not to play at this performance. 

Gil [ Withdrawing her fiands.] Oh, my love. 

Sar Well. 

Gil I thought you were going to ask me something reasonable. It 
is impossible for me to refuse to play now ; and then, you will see 
how pretty I will look in a debardeur costume— if they insist on it. 
But in anything I'm sure to be pretty, and you will be so proud of 
me. 



FROi: FROU. 21 

Sai' Wh.at— with the pantaloons ? [Lwhimj at walcli.] I must go. 

Gil Where ? 

Sar To the Minister, to give my answer. On my way, I will se.^ 
our little Georgie in the Parli. 

Gil Isn't Georgie here? 

Sar No ; we took advantage of the heautiful day to carry him out 
for a walk. He was ill, you know, this morning. 

Gil He was ill? 

Sar Didn't you know? But it was nothing. 

Gil How could I know ? I told them to hring hira to my room 
ever)' morning. [Rings bell on table sharply ] And now i remember 1 
have not seen him to-day. 

Filter Paulixk, r. 1 e. 

Pan The dress has come, Madame. 

Gil I don't want the dress — why was not Georgie brought to me 
this morning ? 

Fau The nurse brought him to your room, but you were asleep, 
and yesterday, when we brought him, we woke you, and you were 
angry. 

Oil How dare you ? 

Sar [To Gilbbrte.] Never mind. [To Pauline.] You can go. 

Exit Pauline r. 1 e. 

Gil I was angry ! What sort of way is that to speak ? 

Sar You see, I wouldn't permit you to be spoken to in that way. 
After all, [snuling] she was right, though. [Gilbkrtb about to speak.\ 
Now, I must go. 

Gil You will kiss me, at least, before you go. 

Sar [Kissing her forehead and holding her for a moment.] Ah, Gilberte, 
Gilberte ! 

Gil Don't be long. You know I dine with Madame de Cambri. 

Sar When — to day ? I was not invited, was I V 

Gil Oh, no ! All our husbands are to be excluded, in order that we 
may have full liberty to talk about our costumes in the performance 
— you can dine at the club, can't you ? 

Sir No ; I have some writing to do this evening. I'll dine at 
home. 

Gil What— all alone ? 

Sar Alone? oh, no ! I shall have Georgie. Good -by. [Kisses her 
hand.] Good-by. [ErM c. and l. 

GU [Snatching away her hand and standing, c, pouting^ With Georgie! 
I understand what he means, but nothing is more unjust. [Goes to 
sofa.] It looks as it I didn't love my child. [Sifs.] I love him as much 
as any of the women that I know love their children. I can't take 
him myself to walk in the Park, and carry his hoop. [Laughing and 
clapping her hands.] I don't know but that might be a pretty sii;ht, 
though. It would be a novelty, anyway. [Looking at clock.] Bless me, 
almost three, and at this hour the Baroness was to be here with M. 
de Valreas to rehearse our scene. [Jumping up.] and I di.n't know a 
word of my part. 



'2-2 FROU FROU. 

[Ojiens the part wMch PiTou gave her, goes to piano, touches it and recites 
" I've a pretty litte waist, 
Black hair and eyes of blue. ' ' 

Brigard appears at c. 

Is that you, papa ? 

Brig [Applauding.] Go on, you little rogue, go on ! 

Gd [Singing.] " I have a heart that burns and 
A face that must please you." 

Brig Ha, ha, ha ! What are you singing comic opera music for ? 

Gil [Going to him, c] I was studying my part. I'm so glad to see 
you— and Louise ? 

Brig Very well, indeed. I've come to say good-by. 

Gd Are you going away ? 

Brig Yes — to-morrow morning. I'm oif to Bohemia. 

Gd To Bohemia ! [Laughs.] Have you been appointed Ambassador 
to look after the theaters in Bohemia ? 

Brig Nonsense, my dear. It's only one of my little freaks. You 
know how flighty I am. But I wanted to talk to you about Louise. 

Gil You are not going to take her ? 

B/ig No — and that's the reason that — 

Gd I see— you want her to come here. 

Brig Yes, until I come back. I shall be away three months. 

GU Well, she shall ; but not for three months, nor for six, but for 
always. Since she has taken it into her head never to marry, she 
shall live with me. You know, papa, how much I love Louise, and 
you know how I have tried time and again to induce her to come 
and live with me. She has always refused before, and I don't know 
why. 

Brig Don't you? Why, she was afraid of incommoding you. 

Gil Why, we have four times as much room as we want. 

Brig That wasn't it. She was afraid of interfering with your hap- 
piness. 

Gd Oh, that was all very well during the honeymoon ; but now, 
after four years — 

Brig You'd better not talk to her in that style — 

Gd I know how to talk to her to make her stay with me. 

Brig Well, she'll be here to-day; all you have to do is to prevent 
her going away again. 

Gil I'll do that, if I have to lock the door. 

[Baroness appears at c. 

B'ness Can we come in ? 

Gd Certainly. [Baroness comes down, follotved hy Baron. 

Brig [r.] I am delighted to see you Madame, since it allows me to 
bid you farewell before my departure. 

Baron [u. c] Going to leave us, Brigard ? AVhere to, now ? 

B nefis [c] To Bohemia. I understand. 

Baron 1 believe Bohemia is celebrateti for its hair-dye, isn,t it ? 

Brig Well, I'm not going there to lay in a stock of hair-dye, I 
assure you. 



FROU FROU. 2;] 

Baron Well, I wouldn't fto, cither, if I wore a wig. [.4// laugh. 

Brig [Grossing vp c] He, lie, he! Very funny. Allow me to wish 
you good day. 

B nesi Good-by, Bohemian. 

Bng Respect my gray hairs, Madame. 
' B ness [Looking through ej/e-glass.] 1 don' fc .see them. 

Brig True ; I forjiot. I haven't had time to grow any yet. 

Baron Bravo ! Repent of your sins, old boy, and turn bald. 

[Brigard exits c. and l. , folloiced hy Baron. 
/ B'ness [Si(t{7ig on sofa.] That horrid man, my husband, my dear, 
met my carriage and would come with me. And you know i must 
humor him a little ; he has a claim on me. He's ray husband. But 
Avhat is this I hear about your sister Louise coming here ? 

Gil [On sofa.] Yes, she's coming while papa's away ; and after that 
I hop : — 

B nesi You hope ? 

Gil That she will never leave me. 

B'ness [Regarding her closely.] Ah! [Pause.] And vou will take her 
with you to Carlsruhe ? 

Gil I am not going to Carlsruhe ! 

B'ness Sartorys is going alone, then ? 

Gil He has declined the mission. 

B'ness I congratulate you, my dear. See what it is to be loved. 
[Laughing.] After that it's unnecessary for me to ask if he consents to 
your taking part in our little theatrical performance. 

Gil Well, he consents, but — 

B'ness Never mind the " buts," my dear, so long as he consents. 
Have you studied your part ? 

Gil All but the last scene. 

B ness Oh, the whole thing will bo a gi'eat success. I'm sure of it. 
And Valreas, who is to act your lover in the piece — 

Gil When he does act it ! He don't study a word. 

B'ness Oh, he'll play it, and for the best of reasons. 

Gd What is that? 

B'ness He's dead in love with the person he's to play with. 

Gil Dead in love with me ! nonsense ! you who know him so well 
can believe that .'' 

B'ness It's just because I do know him so well that T say it. 

Gd [Crossing to L ] Now jou are laughing at me. 

B'ness [c] I've known Valreas to be in love when it was a laugh- 
in^i; matter, but this time 

\nl [l. c] Well, this time? 

Enter Baron c. from l. 

Baron Ladies, Valreas is coming up. 
B'ness [r. c ] Now, my dear, you shall see. 
Baron [c] Hey? See what .^ 
B'mss Keep quiet. 

[Baro.n starL^ up stage -Baroxess crosses tj Gilbert i.. o 



24 FROU BT.OU. 

Enter Yalreas, c. from i,. 

Val [Bowing at dooi-.l Madame ! Ah, Baron, Avhere are you going ? 

Biron I? I am going to keep quiet. [Sits r. 

B'ness [With a gesture to Gilberie.] Come, Monsieur, mal^^e ytur 
adieux. The news was true— your friend Sartorys is appointed tt> 
Carlsruhe, and Gilberte leaves us in eight days. 

Val [Starting forward.] How? 

[Gilberte looking down and moiionless 

B'ness Immediately after the performance. 

Val [To Gilberte, tvith emotion.] You are going to leave Paris? 

B'ness [Asitle to Gilberte.] What did I tell you? 

Gil [Arousing herself.] Come, let us begin the rehearsal. 

[Crossing to R. 

B'7iess [7b Valreas.] I was only joking — she's not going to leave 
Paris — how could she ? 

Gil [r. c] Come— the rehearsal. 

Baron Rehearsal ! Bless me ! Where am I ? What part am I to 
take? 

B'ness That of a spectator, who will he put out if he interrupts the 
performance. 

Baron Then let me get a front seat [Brings chair down ] And now, 
go ahead. 

Val Let me see what is it we are to rehearse. 

Gil Only the last scene. I haven't read it yet. 

Val [Crossing to l.] Come thea — the last scene. 

Baron Ii I don't see the whole performance, I want ray money 
hack. [Baroness crosses to and expostulates with him. 

Gil [7b Yalreas.] I'm sure you don't know a word of your part. 

Val Don't I? I staid up all night to study it. [Takes part out of 
his pocket.] I'll repeat it without looking at Ihc book. [To Baroness.] 
But you will be ready to pi'ompt me ? 

B Jie.is Oh, I'll take care of that. 

Gil What is the scene ? 

Val The stage represents two apartments, separated by a wall. 
I'll fix it. [Place.'? 2 chairs in c. up and down stage.] This is the wall, 
and here between the two chairs is the door. [Places a tliird chair far 
door.] Cleopatra, that's you, in one room; Antony, that's me, in 
the other. 

Gil But I thought in the last scene Antony was in Cleopatra's 
apartment, [l. of chairs.] 

Val [l. of chairs.] Oh, we'll come to that. Now take your place 
there. Allow me to open the door. 

[Pulls aioay middle chair, and Gilberht. pass:s through to r. k. 

Gil Now we're right. Where will you go, Baroness ? 

Baron Come, clear the stage. 

B'ness I'll be prompter ; give me the book. [Takes book, and sits 
L. down stage opposite Baron.] Now we're otf. 

Gil Let's begin where the constable has just gone- 

Val To look for the Commissary of Police ? 



FROU FROU. 25 

Gil That's it. 

Val You commence. 

Baron Ring up the curtain. [Oommences io applaud. 

B'ness What are you about? 

Baron Giving them a reception, my dear ; it encourages them. 

Gil [Ceasing to speak naturallr/, and playing a Utile awkwardly, ichich she 
must do throughout this " rehearsal."] " He is gone ! He is gone !" 
Val [Playing with animation ] "Bravo! bravo! Hurrah!" 

Baron [Applaudi7ig.] Bravo! bravo! 

Val [7b Baron.] My dear sir, you put me out. 

B'ness [To Baron.] Will you be quiet ? 

Btron I thought he was starting the applause. Gro on. 

Gil " He is gone ! he is gone !" 

Baron Stop ! stop I you said that before. 

Val [Coming in front of chairs and bowing to Baroness, then Baron.] Tlie 
management begs me say — 

Baron He's going to apologize. Some of the actors are sick ; have 
to change the piece. 

Val — That unless order is preserved, the performance can not 
proceed 

Baron [Applauds. To Baroness.] I suppose he means me. 

Bness Sh ! 

Gd " He is gone ! he is gone !" 

Baron Well, this is the most vividly interesting play I ever at« 
tended. 

Gil Please, Baron ! *' He is gone! He is gone 1" 

[Baron turns away in disgust. 

"But he will return with the Commissary. They will force the 
door ! Pray, sir, [as if through wall] no more of your fooling." 

B'ness Very good ! Very good, indeed ! 

Baron [ With the air of a comioisseur.] Yes, very good ! Really very 
good. 

Gil Isn't it ? " Pray, sir, no more of your fooling." [To Baron.] 
And you will see at the performance I will do it even better. 

B'ness Now you. "Ah! alight — " 

Val I know without prompting. " Ah 1 a light breaks in upon 
me. I will clear my apartment, and put all my furniture into yours." 

Gil ' * In my room ?' ' 

Val "Why not ; since I'm about to marry you?" 

Gil "Before the Mayor ?" 

B'ness [To Gilbertf.] In the book it says you must speak that line 
very quickly, 

Gil Haven't I said it quickly enough ? 

B'ness [Imitating Gilberte.] No ; you said it this way — "Before the 
Mayor !" 

Gil [To Valreas] Shall we go over it again ? 

VjI With all my hcirt. " Since I'm about to marry you. 

Gil [ With a 7-ush.] " Before the Mayor?" 

[All applaud her, 

I hope that 1 did it then. 



2G FROU FROU. 

B'mss That time it was excellent. 

Gil [Repeaimg.] " Before the Mayor?" 

Val "Quick ! quick ! open the door." 

Gil " No, no; I dare not. [To B'ness.] What do T do then ? 

B'ness [Referring to book.] The book says you run to the window and 
look out. 

Gil Oh, yes ; so I do. [Goes to side and pretends to look out. '\ "Ah, the 
police are coming, led by the Commissary. Gracious, what a long 
Bword he has ; and heavens, what a long nose he has !" 

Val " I'll make it longer yet, when I get hold of it. Open the 
door, quick." 

B'ness [Referring to hook.'] Now you open the door between your 
apartments. 

Gil So I do ! [Goes to chair and stops.] And what do I say then ? 

Baron Why, you say come in. 

B'ness No, you don't. You say, " So much the worse. Now let's 
be off." 

Baron So she does. I forgot. 

Gil [Throwing doitrn the middle chair, ivhich represents the door.] "So 
much the worse. Now let's be off." 

Val [Rushing to her icith outstretchal arim, ai if to embrace her.] " Now 
we'll be off." 

Gil [Eluding him in earnest.] Stop. What are you going to do ? 

[ V ALREAS pause's. 

B'ness What's the matter? Go on. 

Val [Smiling.] Madame don't seem to be willing. 

B'ness [Referring to book.] He'ij right. The book says, "He kisses 
her as they go off." 

Gil Does the book say that ? 
[Comes down to Baroness, who shmcs her the book. Bauon also looks over 
it with eye-glass.] 

Baron Yes; there it is. "He kisses her as they go off." [With 
emphasis.] I should like to play that part myself. [Cror.sej to his seat 
again.] 

Gil [l. C. very promptly .] Well, we'll go off without that. 

Val [c. As GiLBEETE^o^s up.^ What ? I agreed to play the part on 
that account alone. 

Gil Well, perhaps on the night of the performance I may — 

Val [Sitting down.] Very well ; I'll perform it veiy badly if I don't 
rehearse it. 

Baron Oh, he must rehearse it, you know. Here [Going up.] \A 
me show you. 

B'ness Sit down, sir. [Bakox subsides. 

Gil Come, let's go on without the kissing. 

Val No. / wont go on. 

Gil I appeal to the Stage Manager. [Turning to Baroness. 1 Ought 
he to kiss me at rehearsal ? 

B'ness Certainly— [Gih'BERH^^ximleaclea, ana lurmng away. 

Besides, my dear, you know it's for tlio benefit of the poor. 

Gil [ With an emotion which she tries to concml.] Well— if you say so. 



FROU FROU. 27 

Baron [Pitijing Gilberte's distress.] Oh, well ; come, now ; if site 
don't want to. 
[Baroness makes signs for him to be quiet. Valreas jumps up, approaches 

Gilberts, ivhose back is to him {her face bjwed, and turned up the stage) 

and then stops.] 

B'ness Well, what are you stopping for? 

Vdl [Confused.] I— [Approjching nearer to Gilberte, with respect.] 
Madame ! 

[Takes a single lock of her hair in his hand, and presses it to his lips. At this 

moment, and or. this picture, Louise appears in c. D. BaroiN aitd Baroness 

rise. Embarrassment on part of all. Louise comes down c, looking imth 

astonishment at all, and at the disordered furniture.] 

Vol [Turning and picking up chairs.] Take care, Mademoiselle, one 
moment. [Replaces chairs.] 

Louise Thank you. 

Gil [7b Louise.] We were rehearsing. 

Louise I'm sorry if I interrupted you. 

B'ness Oh, as for me, I'm glad you did, for we were almost at the 
end of the piece, and [Locking at her watch.] I had almost forgotten 
that I should be at home now. [To Baron.] Come along, my dear. 
[Goes up c. as Louise crosses down l., a?id speaks to Gilberte, who still 
remains R. u. s.] You intend to keep lier with you? [Baron goes over 
to Louise, and tries to speak with her. She is intent on watchimj Gilberte 
and Baroness.] 

Gil Certainly ! 

B'ness Don't forget that you dine with me to-day, and that we 
have another rehearsal to-morrow. 

Gil I will not forget. 

B'ness Come, Baron. 

Baron Certainly, my dear, [c] SomehoM-^ or other I don't be- 
lieve that young lady likes my. wife. 

B'ness [Up L. c] Valreas. your arm, 

Val [c. Saluting Gilberte] Until we meet again, Madame. [To 
Louise.] Mademoiselle. [Bows. Louise returns the salute gravely. 
Valreas and Baroness exeunt l. c. Baron goei to Gilberte r. c. 
Shakes hands with her ; then crosses to Louise, but scared by her demeano)\ 
hurries out L. c. 

Gil [Running to Louise] My dear, dear Louise. 

Louise Dear sister ! [Kisses her affectionately.] What has happened ? 

Gil [Archly.] Don't you know ? [Louise .st^m^es *' A^o. " 

A great happiness is in store for me. Sit down here with me. [Places 
her arm about Louise and leads her to sofa.] 
, Louise [After they sit] Well? 

Gil [Taking both Louise's hands.] Suppose I have a sister ! 

Louise A sister? 

Gil Yes ; a sister whom I love very much ; and suppose, after 
being separated from her fur four years, I find her again, all of a 
sudden, when I can hope to keep her with me forever ! 

Louise What do vou me.in, mv dear Gilberte ? 



23 FROU FROU. 

Gil That now you are come, you are to remain with me all ray 
life. I have arranged it with papa. 
Louise But I have heard nothing of this. 

[Enter Sartorts, c. from l. 

Sar [Taking JjOVIS&'b hands.'] Ah! they told me I should find you here. 

Gil Have you seen the Minister ? 

Sar Yes. 

Gil And what did you tell him ? 

Sar What I promised. All is finished. 

Gil Ah! how much I love you for that. And to console you for" 
the mission you have lost at Carlsruhe, I give you a mission to per- 
form here. 

Sar A mission ? 

Gil Yes ; and an important one, too. Papa is to leave to-morrow 
for three months ; and he and I have arranged that Louise shall re- 
main with us while he is away ; but after that — 

Sar [Phyfullij.'] What then ? 

Gil You must decide the rest. 

Louise [Troubled.'] GUbertc ! What are you saying ? 

Gil [To Sartorys.] She thinks that she will incommode us. You 
must tell her she is foolish to say such things ; and that instead of 
being in the way, her presence here will be of the greatest service. 
You know how to manage her ; and you can persuade her to stay, if 
you tell her she has a duty to fulfill here. [Gilberte throughout this 
speech is speaking to Sartorys, and at Louise, to ivhoin her eye now and then 
wanders significantly.] Tell her that there are ever ko many important 
things for her to do here — wearisome things, in fact, that bore me, 
and exhaust me, but will make her happy — they always did ; for she 
loves serious duties. [Rises and crosses to l. of him.] You tell her 
everything you can think of to make her stay. I haven't a moment's 
time to spare now ; and, besides [To Louise.] our little G.eorgie loves 
you so much. [Pointing to Sar.] Only see how lucky it is you 
came in as you did, for he was going to dine here — all alone. And 
now you can dine with him. [Moving off l.] I give him to you. 
You must take my place. [Louise rises, as if about to speak. 

Not a word ; it's fixed. I'll run and tell them to serve dinner for 
two ; there now. [Runs out l. 1 e. 

Sar [Taking hands of Louise.] Gilberte is right. You must stay 
with us. I won't hear any denial. It's settled. 

Jjouise But it is not settled. 

Sar [Laughing. [ Not if I get vexed ? 

Louise Not if you get vexed. 

Sar Not even if I beg you to remain ? 

Louise [Crossing.] Not even if you beg me to remain. 

Sar [Seriously.] Louise ! [Taking her hands.] You will render Gil- 
berte and myself a great service by staying with us ; for-' then seme' 
thing that is very much needed in this house will he needed no longer, 

Louise [Withdrawing hei' hand.] What is needed here ? 

Sar A wife. 



FROU FEOU. 29 

Louise "What is this you tell mc? 

Sar I say that what is needed in this household is a wife ; and yon 
know it, although you pretend that you do not. [Fause. 

Louise [With emotion.] What has happened? 

Sar Nothing has hai>pened. Everything is the same now as always, 
with ^^s. I love Gilberte more than ever I did. 

Louise I know it. [ With a smile.] But I don't see what great iniS' 
fortune that is. 

Scir You don't see? 

Louise No. 

Sar Then you shall. This morning I was appointed Minister to 
■ . You have heard of it? 

Louise Yes ; and I was prouder than ever of you. 

Sar I told Gilberte, and she said to me she would never consent to 
leave Paris. 

Louise And then you — 

Sar I refused the honor they would have conferred upon me. I 
refused it for her sake ; and with the same satisfaction that I would 
feel in making her a present, no matter how simple. And yet by 
that refusal I know I have saciiticed that brilliant fortune that had 
been my life-long dream. I refused it because I love Gilberte, and 
she permitted me to do so — because she loves me not. 

Louise Sartorys ! 

Sar When you gave Gilberte to me — because it was you who gavo 
her to me — 

Louise \Turning partly aivay.] Yes; it was I. 

Sar You said tome, "You are the fittest husband for Gilberte; 
and her frivolity will cause me less fear for her, when she is the wife 
of a man so wise as you." You did not think then what so wise a 
man as I could become. Those faults in her which made you fear, 
and which I might have cured by a little firmness, I refused to per- 
ceive then, because I loved lier. I love her to-day as I loved her 
from the first ; but now, after four years, you will find in Gilberte 
the same faults, only the faults iiave become greater. 
, Louise But her child ? 

Sar She adores him. A little while ago Georgie was seriously ill. 
Gilberte passed eight nights at his side, sleeping but an hour at a 
time. By day she was never from him. Her love and watchfulness 
alone snatched him from the grave. He recovered ; then for whole 
weeks she saw him only five minutes in the morning and five minutes 
at night. 

Louise Who took care of him then ? 

Sar His governess ; and I, when I could. 

Louise What you tell me is dreadful. 

Sar Yes. And if Gilbert and I must remain alone, abandoned to 
one another, who can tell what will be the end of it all. [Taking her 
hands again.] But if some one else — 

Louise Some one else — 

Sar Some one who is good, and kind, and v/ise, would come be- 
tween us ; would take control of this household, which every ono 



80 FROU FROU. 

neglects ; would perform those duties which Gilberte avoids, and 
which I have not the will to press upon her. 

Louise But you must ; it is your duty. 

Sar I know it is my duty ; but I have not the strength to perform 
it against her. You can now see hoy/ the danger which now threatens 
this house, and which I know not how to avert, may become greater 
every day. [Smiling.'] It is one of those situations of which it is 
difficult to speak without a smile : a frivolous wife and an indulgent 
husband. They have been seen before — they will be seen again ; and 
that is all there is the matter here 1 The danger is about us. Neither 
Gilberte nor I can avert it ; but I sincerely believe you can defend 
us against it. 

Louise [//I a loio voice.'] Tou think so ? 

Sar We must keep you with us. The course pointed out by Gil- 
bert was right ; and now you know you have a duty to perform. 

Louise {Facing him.] A duty? 

Sar A duty. And never was an accident more providential than 
that which sent you to us. 

Louise It is well. I remain. 

Sar Thanks. 

Enter Vincent, with a poickage of letters and papers, and a shaded lamp, 
lighted, which he places on table r. 
Louise [Aside. Crossing to r. n. cor.] This, then, is their happiness! 

IMusic. 

.C/j^cr Gilberte R. 1 E. , *'en grande toilette," noisih/. Georgie, unper- 
ceived by her, is holding on to her skirt, and half hidden by it. 

Gil I am late. [To Vincent.] Order the carriage immediately. 

[Vincent still fixing papers at table. 
Do you hear? immediately! [To Sartorys.] She will stay, won't 
she ? [Exit Vincent, c. 

Sar Yes. 

Gil [c] Then this is a good day's work. I'm so glad. [Goes 
towards Louise, but perceives that Georgie lias hold of her skirt.] Take 
care, take care ; you will tear me ! [Repulses him brusquely, and looks 
at her robe.] 

Jjouise [r. c] Come to me, Georgie. 

Gil Yes, go to your aimt. 

[Georgie rum to Louise and embraces her. 

Gil You see you did well to remain. Your duties begin at once. 
You will all dine together very nicely. But let me see : before I go, 
I must install yDu. [To Sartorys, seatiiig him in clwir.] Now, here 
are your letters, and your papers, and j'our darling politics. [She 
spreads on the table before Sartorys the letters, &c. , xohich Vincent brougU 
in.] And you, Louise, you will sit there in my place. 

[Places arm-chair by chimney, to ivhich Louise crosses with Georgie. 

Enter Vincent, c. from l. 

"Vincent The carriage, Madame. [ExUs c. 



FROU FROU. 31 

Gil [Going up c] Noav, I must be ofif. {Sicjps in doonvay and holts 
kfR*^.] How charming you all look, that way. [Laughing.'] A de- 
lightful little family group. [Kissing her hand to each.] For you. [To 
Louiss.] For Georgie. For you. [7b Sartor ys. 
[jExits laughing ivith childish glee. Sartorys looking after her^ Louisi 
bending doivn embracing Georgie. Quick curtain.'] 



> ACT III. 

SCENE.— ^'a^ng as Act IL 

Enter Baron followed by Vincent 

Baron \^As he enters.] You are sure the Baroness has not called here 
this morning ? 

Vincent Positive, Mousieiu', no one has called to-day ; not even M. 
de Valreas. 

Baron Why do you say *' not even " M. de Valreas ? 
Vin Because he comes here every day. 

Baron The young jackanapes ! and what docs he come for? 
Vin I suppose to see master, although he alwaj's sees Madame. 
Baron [Looking at him sharply.] Eh ? 

[Vincent smiles, shrugs his shoulders and goes to mantel. 
Baron What an imprudent little creature Gilberte'is ! The ser- 
vants begin to talk, and what's worse, to shrug their shoulders. 
Hang the rascals. 

[Goes to sofa, picks up a book and turns his back on others. 

Enter Pauline^ r. 

Pauline Vmcent, has the porter returned with the answer to Mad • 
ame's letter? 

Vin [Yawning.] The answer? 

Pan "The answer" — Stupid, yes, the answer — don't I speak 
plainly ? 

Vin [Lazily.] Let me see, the letter was to M. de Valreas, wasn't it ? 

[Baron looks tip from kis book. 

Fau. What are you saying things over and over for ? you know 
Madame is waiting impatiently. 

Vin Yes? Well the porter has not yet returned with the answer. 

Pau Then go along with you, and don't stop dawdling here. [Vin- 
cent curls his moustache and smiles.] What are you smiling about ? 

Vin Oh, nothing ! But I will go watch for the porter who brings 
%e letter for Madame from M. de Valreas. [Sauntering up. 

Pau What airs you put on. Let me tell you if you look that way, 
'11 inform Madame Sartorys. 

Vin Oh, no ! you'd better inform M. Sartorys. 

Pau Well, I will, if you like that better. I won't allow Madame's 



82 FROU FROU. 

name to be smiled at and shrugged at all over the house by you or 
anybody else. 

Baron {Dropping hook.'] Bravo ! That's right ! [To Vincent.] Now 
you go and grin somewhere else about the house, will you ? 
p Vin Certainly, if Monsieur wishes it, with pleasure. 

[Exits c, with final smile at Pauline xvhoiurnr, away impatimthj, and hegoet 
!• off shrugging his shoulders. 

Pau I beg pardon, Baron. 

Baron What for? For defending your mistress ? Don't, you aio 
right. My wife's maid does the same thing. I like to hear her. 

Pau My mistress does nothing to require defense. 

Baron That's right. I like to hear it. 

Pau {Becoming excited.'] Madame is everything that's good — but these 
self-sufficient valets they think they see more than any opc else. 

Baron So they do — but they don' t. 

Pau [More excited.] No, indeed — for there's nothing to see. 

Baron Of course not. 

Pau [Quite ivarmlg.] What is there in Madame' s receiving an 
answer to a letter ; if you write a letter, it's natural to expect an 
answer. 

Baron It is — it certainly is — don't get into a passion about it. 

Pau I know I came from the country, but I know my place better 
than to act like this fellow, who is always talking and shrugging his 
shoulders whenever M. de Yalrcas comes here. What's it his busi- 
ness, I'd like to know. Suppose your servants, Baron, should talk 
to one another, and smile and shrug their shoulders whenever a 
young gentleman came to see your wife, and suppose — 

Baron [Uneasily.] No, don't — don't suppose it. My servants never 
smile except when they get their wages, and I have their coats made 
so tight that they can't shrug their shoulders. 

Pau Oh, that's excellent. 

Baron Yes, a man must get round his servants somehow. But let's 
change the subject. I'm waiting here for my wife — ^she usually 
comes here in the morning — that is, she says she does. 

Pau Oh, yes. Monsieur. Sometimes alone, and sometimes with 
M. de Valreas ! 

Baron [Crossing l.] Oh, hang de Valreas ! 

Unter Gilberte, r. c, salutes Baron who hows. 

Baron I thought perhaps my wife might be here. She said she 
was coming. If I'm not in the way — 

Ail [Coming down c] By no means. [Baron goes up l. c] Pauline ! 

Pau [n. c] Yes, Madame. 

Gil [Lozo and with emotion.] The messonger has not returned? 

Pau [Low and modestly.] No, Madame ! 

Gil That will do. [Exit Pauline, r. 1 e.] [Cmiing down. Aside.'] 
What will be his answer ? To such a letter there can be but one aji- 
Bwer ; that he obeys me, and will leave Paris at once. 



FROU FROU. 83 

Ent^ Baroness, c. from l., dressed for walking and in a great hurry. 

B'ms^ [To QvLTi^Vi'V. iiithout regarding 'BkSiO^.'] Ah, my dear I {Gomes 
fonoard uiih outstretched hands.] 

Baron [Quickip,] All, my dear ! 
[Advances towards her icith outstretched hands ; sh; passes him and goes to 

GiLBERTB, tvho is near t. c. , and icho extends her hands quietly and with- 

out demonstration. Baron nibs his chin ajidgoes over to R. 

B'ness Get your bonnet, my dear, and come out with me, quickly. 

GU [Listlessly. ] Where ? [Sits at table. 

B'ness Oh, such a sensation ! you remember the account in the 
papers about the jealous husbands m the Rue du Petit, who came 
home suddenly the other morning, and shot the other poor fellow, and 
then escaped ; you remember the papers were full ofit. Well, the 
house is going to be sold— furniture and all — and every one is going 
there to look at it ; not to buy much, only a keepsake or so. You 
must come with me, we will pick up something. 

Btro.i I wouldn't go there, my dear, if I were you. 

B'ness [Looking at him through eye-glass.] Perhaps not. People with 
bad consciences ought not to. You ain't afraid I'll come home sud- 
denly some morning and shoot you or anybody else, in our house, are 
you '( 
. Baron No, my dear, husbands arc not generally shot. 

Rness More's the pity— they deserve ic. 

Baron Oh ! well, my dear, if you do go to this sale, and pick up 
♦* anything " as you say — 

B'ness Well? 

Baron Don' t let it be the example of the lady of the house. 

[Exits in a pet, c. and L. 

B'ness Rely on that, dear ! By-by ! But come, my dear Gilberte, 
put on your things. 

Gil. [Seriously.] You must go without me 

B'ness. [c] Why? 

Gil [Constrainedly.] I can not go. But don't let that hinder you. 
You can go alone. [Rises. 

B'ness [Astonished of Gilberte' s manner.] Of course I can. But come 
here a little my dear. [Using Gilberte'3 shoulder to turn her round.] and 
let me look at you. 

Gil [Looking at her.] Well ! 

B' ness [Drawing a long breath.] Hem! I don't know ! Too serious 
for such a pretty face, much to serious. 

Gil Does that make you uneasy ? 

B'ness Seriousness is a bad sign in a house that is not used to it. 
And what makes me really uneasy, my dear, is I think I can divine 
the cause. [Significantly. 

Gil No, no, you can not, I assure you. [Quickly. 

B'ness So much the better, if I am deceived — and a certain hot- 
headed young fellow of my acquaintance, named 7alreas has nothing 
to do with it. 

GU [Stariitig.] Valreas? 



84 FROU FEOU. 

B'ness Hasn't he now ? Not the least bit ? 
Gil Well, yes, he is concerned — 
B'ness [Tnterrupf.i7ig her.] I thought so. 

Gil IQuickh/.] But you are deceived very much indeed, if you think 
there is anything serious. I can prove it to you in a few minutes. 

Enter Vincent with a letter, c. from l. 

Is that the answer from M. de Valreas ? 
Vin Yes, Madame. 

Gil Ah ! [Takes letter from Vincent and opens it eagerly. Vincent erita 
looking hack and s^hrugging his shoulders as he goes of. Gilbertb haiids iJie 
letter to the Baroness.] There ! [Crosses to sofa while Baroness reads, 

B'?uss [Reads] ^^ You order me to leave Paris. J go to-night." 

Gil [Earnestly and turning.] Now you see. [Sitting. 

B'ness I see that there is more danger than I supposed. For him 
to send such a letter to you — you must have written to him. 

[Sifting beside her. 

Gil Of course. A letter in which I ordered him to leave Paris. 

B'ness In which you ordered him to ? Como, my dear, see what r, 
position you are in ! You remember how I laughed at first, when we 
had our rehearsals, let me see — two months ago, at Valreas being 
smitten with you. I thought it was only play— an agreeable way of 
passing the time ; I never dreamed of your taking it seriously, for I 
thought I had to do with a reasonable woman, a woman like myself, 
and if any one had suggested seriously that I should fall in love with 
another man than my husband, it would absolutely look to me as if, 
after submitting to a sound drubbing for the sake of duty, I had so- 
licited another for the sake of pleasure. Those are my principlea ; I 
thought they were yours too, for who could imagine, that Valreas, a 
mere boy, a charming boy tibe sure, but perfectly laughable as a 
lover, could inspire a real sentiment, and become— well, I won't say 
dangerous. 

Git You may say dangerous. [Smiling. 

B'ness No 1 won't. I don't want to say it. 

Cril Yes, dangerous ! And I' m glad of it. [Baroness starts,] Be- 
cause the knowledge of this danger that I run, is the first serious 
thought which ever entered my head ; [Smiling.] and when that en- 
tered, several others equally serious, slipped in after it. 

B'ness [Wa.r7iingl>/.] Take care, my dear ! 

Gil A number of things to which I never paid any attention, now 
appear to me i»i their true light. Do you remember what you said to 
me the day I told you mv sister was coming to live with us here ? 

B'ness What did I say? 

Gil You said-" Ah 1" 

B'ness Well that wasn't much. 

Gil Well, after Louise had been installed here, I began to perceive 
that it was less agreeable to me than I thought at first. When I saw 
her take so gently, so aptly, my place beside my child, beside my 
husband, there came to me certain thought^, and I recalled your 
** All I" and I began to understand it. 



FROU FROU. 35 

B'ness Perhaps it would have been better if you had not bugu so 
much. 

Gil [Resolutely.] I saw what I ought to see, and nothing more ; but 
I shall put a stop to all 4,hi8 by taking a decisive step. 

[Rising excitedly. 

S'ness [Alarmed.] A decisive step ? 

Gil. [Crossing.] Yes. 

B'ness [Rising.] What step ? you frighten me. 

Gil [Excitedly —returning and stopping c.j I am determined to regain 
the place I have lost ; to commence to live very differently from the 
manner in which I have lived up to this day. [Baroness smiles incred- 
ulous'y.] You don't believe that I can? 

B'ness Oh, yes, I believe it. 

Gil [Crossing to sofa,] Believe it or not, as you please, I am deci<leJ. 

[Sits. 

B'ness [Going over to her.] A word of advice, my dear Gilberte. 
Drop your grand resolutions. Don*t become a stupid, jealous wife- 
don' t ! Come with me — run in debt — live faster than ever— show 
yourself at the opera in a dress that will draw every eye upon you — 
or better than that, ride a velocipede in the Park ! Do whatever you 
like, but make it something in that line ! People will talk about you, 
you will get a bad name perhaps, and every one will believe you are 
a gone case, but you will be saved ! At the rate you are driving, you 
fear you will be run away with and dashed to pieces ; so you are 
frightened and want to jump out. If you do you will bo destroyed. 
Don't jump out — on the contrary, whip up your horses, drive along 
faster than ever, and the husband of whom you are now jealous will 
follow you, will be jealous of you, and you will be saved. That's 
wisdom I That's my advice. [Rising.] Will you put on your hat, my 
dear, and come with nie to see the house where the one poor devil 
shot the other poor devil ? 

Gil [Pleasantly.] No. 

B'ness [Going up c] Well, you're wrong. Good-by, dear. h 

Gil Good-by ! ^ ^ '■' 

B'ness [Returning] Gilberte, I beg of you — if you won't follow my 
advice, listen to this, at least. If I were in your place, I would stay 
home for forty-eight hours, and during that time, I would think of 
nothing, do nothing, but try to become calm. 

GU [Excitedly rinng, and crossing abruptly to l.] I have never been 
calmer, or more tranquil. 

B'ness Oh I Then good-by, my dear. 

[Exits c. and l. Gilberte rings hdl on table. 

Enter Pauline l. 1 e. 
Pau Madame. 

Gil Has M. Sartorys gone out yet ? 
Pau I believe not. 

Gil Say to him I wish to speak with him. 

Pau Yes, Madame. [ExHsl. 1 B. 

Gil [Looking at Valueas' letter.] Poor fellow ! The Baroness was 



36 PROn FROU. 

right ; who would ever believe that he could become seriously in love ? 
For he does love me ; and he leaves Paris 1 It is well. [Tears letter 
up in little pieces and throws it in fireplace.] All is over. And now we will 
see if my dear sister will consent to yield to me the place which is 
mine. 

J Enter Louise, b. 1 e., dressed for th* rtreet, and putting on gloves. 

Louise Good morning, Gilberte ! 
Gil [c] You are going out ? 

Enter Sartor"S i. H. 

Sar You wish to speak with me, Gilberte ? 

Gil [Merely turnirig her head.] Yes 1 [To Louise] Where are you 
going? 

Loiise To Madame do Lussy's ; sh© recommends the new governess 
we have engaged for Georgie. 

Gil [Aside and bitterly.] TFehave enj^aged ! [Aloud!] I will go myself. 

Sar [Sitting c. Laughingly.] If you />:o to Madame de Lussy's I know 
in advance what will happen. You ^?ill both chat for an hour over 
some new toilet, and never once think of the gcrverness. Let Louise go. 

Gil [Turning axoay to the L.] Be it so. 
' Louise [Up c. TbSARTORYs] Don't forget that you are to go at 
three o'clock to see about that little ir?perty we wish to buy. 

Sar [Gaily.] I shan't forget, my little man of business. 

Gil [Aside.] That ice wish to buy. 

Louise Is that all ? Yes— let me see ! ye-^, that is all. By-by, Frou 
Frou ! [Kisses Htiberte, and exits c. and l. 

Sar [His manner is paternal — a little too paternal, during this scene.^ 
Well, my darling ! [Brings his chair down c. and makes Gilberte sit ona 
stool beside him. 

Gil [Holding down her head.] I wanted to *.i!I )ou — that is — 
^j Sar Is it something very hard to say, then ? 
' Gil Yes, very hard — it is something like a A->nfc8sion. 

Sar [Earnestly.] A confession? 

Gil I was going to accuse myself — 

Sar Ah, I see ; we have been extravagant- - fo have run into debt, 
Frou Frou ? [Patting her head. 

Gil [Impatiently.] No, it is not that, 
I Sar Of what have you to accuse yourself thee? 

Gil Can you not imagine ? [Sartorys shakes k's h.-'cd.] Of having 
been a little frivolous and giddy — even after our niatT%ge, even after 
the birth of little Georgie — in fact, of having always lemaiEcd Frou 
Frou, and of not having become — 

Sar Is that all ? Why you almost frightened mo. I see n'>thiag 
very dreadful in all that. 

Gil Nothing? 

Sar Nothing at all ! 
'^ Gil But some time ago you spoke differently. No, >[v*n/7v'^ | you 
did not speak, but in place of words your face, youi- pllcucf »teelf 



FROU FROU. 37 

scemcJ to utter the fears that troubled you then, and to show me the 
danger that threatened. [PuUtng her hand on his shoulder. 

S'tr Yes, that was two months ago, but since those two months^ 

Gil Shice then — 

Sar Louise has been here. 

Gil Louise ! 

Sar All the danger has disappeared ; and now if it should please 
Frou Frou to be more Frou Frou than ever, the harm would not bo 
very great, since in your place Louise does everything. 

Gil And how if I wished to attend myself to those things which my 
sister takes such good care of ? 

Sar W hat an idea, now that every thiiig is working so smoothly 
and safely. 

Gil You think everything is safe ? 

Sar Look around you, my dear Gilberte, and tell me if you ever 
saw a house better governed than ours since Louise has taken control. 
See what care she takes of Georgie, and how well she is bringing up 
the child ; and even I myself, have you not noticed that since Louise 
has been here I have acquired a certain air of content ? 

Gil [Earnestly/.] But if I really wished — if I were really resolved to 
become better and wiser, and to govern myself ? 

Sar Your zeal is too praiseworthy not to be encouraged, and I will 
encourage it by all the means in my power, but — 

Gil But what ? 

Sar But if, despite your resolution and my encouragement, this 
ardor should die out, and at the end of a week, or say a fortnight, 
my little Gilberte becomes wearied, don't consider yourself bound to 
continue ! Return as fast as you please to your pleasures, your tri- 
umphs, and your gaieties ; neither my face nor my silence shall re- 
proach you, and I shall be content to remain the husband of the 
prettiest darling and most adored 'ifctle wife in the world. 

Gil [Rising and speaking quietly.'] That appointment which was offered 
you, and which you refused on my account ? 

Sar No, I can not go there now, llovermnent might have felt hurt 
at my refusal, but on the contrary, T have been treated with marked 
kindness, and I have now in Paris a position almost equivalent to the 
other. All's well that ends well, and so you see, you really have not 
as much to reproach yourself with as you thought. 

Gil [Looks at him peculiarly for a second npd then goes to chair R. of small 
table.] What I really see is, that all my beautiful projects are rejected. 

Sar Oh, I give you full credit for them. 

Gil [Sarcastkallg.] Really. 

Sar [Going to her.] And I wish to re wart? yon fc th^w). That gpaD 
of horses you liked so much, and which 1 theikghi so expensive. 

Gil I don't want them now. 

Sar [Asto?iished.] You don't want them? 

Miter Briqaed, 0. from k 

Brig Good morning, daughter. 
Sar Ah, M. Brigard ! 



58 FEOU FROU. 

Brig Good morning, my dear boy. 

Sar You have come just in time. GUberte is a little norvous, and 
you know hov/ to put her in good humor. 

Brig \To GiLBERTE.] Kervous 1 Now^ really. 

Gil Good morning, father. 

Brig Oh, it won't last ! You must do me a particular favor daugh- 
ter. The other day when you were skating in the Park, you wore a 
new kind of cap — and Madame de Laurens, who sawycu in it, wants 
one just like it. I promised to get the pattern for her I I knew you 
■wouldn't refuse me, your father, and so I promised lier. 

[GitBERTE rings bdl on table. 
You really will ? 

Gil I will give orders to have it brought to you. 

Brig That's an angel. 

EnUr Pauline, l, 1 e. Gilbertb whispers to hr. Brigard takes Sar> 
ToRYs down R. H. comer. 

Brig [Aside to Saktorys.] Hum! my boy, don't mention Madame 
de Laurens or the cap, to any one outside. I'll do as much for you. 

[Pokes him in the side. 

Sar [Gravely.'] As you wish. 
[They go up. Pauline exits l. 1 e. Gilberte crosses to sofa r., and sits. 

Sar [7b Brigard.] I'll leave you with Gilberte, do try and restore 
her spirits. I don't know what it is affects her to-day. 

Brig All right, my dear boy. 

[Goes to mantd L. , and arranges Ms hair before glass. 

Sar [To Gilberte.] So that span of horses ? 

Gil No, no ! How many times must I tell you? 

Sar [Smiling gaily.] Well, then, you know I am a positive man, and 
whether you want them or not, you shall have them. 

[Goes to Brigard c. , and whispers. 

Brig She won't have a span? then give her a four-in-hand. 

Sartorys exits c. and l. laughing. 

Gil [Aside, feelin':!'^.'] "When I want to come back to him and bo 
really and truly his wife, that is how he treats me. 

Brig [Crossing to piano] Do you know, my love, your husband is a 
very nice fellow ? 

Gil After all he is right. Louise is here. I am not needed any 
more ? He speaks to me as if I were a child. 

Bng [Touching the piano.] Very nice fellow ! Very nice! [Gilberts 
bursts into tears. Rising in astonishment and coming round to her.] What, 
tears? What does this mean, Gilberte ? 

Gil [Turning from him.] Nothing, father, nothing! 

Brig Nothing serious has happened, I hope ! And even if it be, 
am I not here, I, your father? 

Gil [BiUerly.] Oh, yes ! 

Brig "Oh, yes!" What do you mean by "Oh, yes?" I know 
that now and then I may seem to be a little— and then my hair isn't 
—confound it, but that doesn't prevnt my being your father after all. 



FROU FROU. 89 

Enter Pauline, l. 1b., with cap. 

And as your father, I — 

Pail Is this what yoii wished, Madamo ? 

Gil What's that? Yes that's it. [Takes it, and hands it to 7iet father, 
and hand holding handkerchief to her eyes.] That is what j'OU asked for ? 

Briff [Taking the cap, but embarrassed.] Being your father as I said — 
yes. [Looking at cap.] That's it 1 Being your father as I said — 

Gil Well, what more do you wish ? 

Brig Nothing, but — 

Gil [Smiling in spite ofhersel'.] But what ? 

Brig Well, that's not the point now. [Giving cap to Pauline.] Have 
this taken to my carriage. [ExU Pauline, c. and l.] Deuce tako me, 
it shan't be said I haven't done my duty once in my life ! Come now, 
daughter, tell me why you were crying a while ago. 

Gil For nothing, father. 

Brig For nothing ? 

Gil Yes, you know there are times when we feel so. [Sits c. 

Brig Yes, there are moments ! I feel that way myself sometimes. 
But tell me ; there is something serious in all this, and the affection 
I have for you — you don't doubt my affection I hope, and if you have 
need of a protector, you wouldn't hesitate to fly to my paternal ; eh ? 
And those tears — your nerves ; eh? Ob, yes, that's it, nerves! I 
was sure of it ! Just my way ! We needn't worry any more about 
it. And now, let's speak of Louise ; I might as well attend to her 
case, now that I am started on family topics. [Sits beside Gilbbrte. 

Gil [Quickbj.] Louise ! 

Brig [Being unconiforlable in chair c, goes to n. and sits in arm-chair.] 
Yes, Monsieur de Villaroel comes here pretty often, don't he? I may 
say very often. 

Gil [Sjniling.] Well, yes. 

Brig And you never suspected? , 1 

Git What could I have suspected ? ' 

Brig Well, I didn't suspect either. I have two daughters, and 1 
should once in a while suppose that once in a while some one might 
fall in love with one as well as the other. And that's exactly what 
has occurred. T have just received a visit from M. de Villaroel, and 
the reason why he called here so often was— Louise. 

Gil For Louise ? He proposed for her ? [Ri^es and goes to Bbigard. 

Brig Yes, he loves her, and asks her hand. 

Gil [Sitti7ig onBuiGARD'sknee.] Oh, you dear, good papa ! you can't 
imagine how happy this news has made me. There can be no reason 
for refusing such an offer. Have you spoken to Louise yet ? 

Brig No, not yet, I would have done so had she been here — and 
most likely she would have answered me as she has always done — • 
that she don't want to marry. 

Gil [Rising andfirmlg.] She must not answer that now. 

Brig No, certainly not. She must not ! Strange woman your sis- 
ter — eh ? How she dislikes going into society; and her determination 



to FROU FROU. 

not to inarry. Do you know what I think, Gilberte ? Louise must 
tave loved some one once. 

Gil [Deeply moved and turning away.] You think so ? 

Brig She must once have dreamed of a happiness of which we know 
nothing, and which she has lost. 

Gil [Turning suddenly.] Father! 

Biig [Rising abruptly and looking at his watch.'} Well, just turn it over 
in your mind and see if it doesn't seem probable. 

[Goes to glass, takes his hat up and arranges his hair. 

Gil But, father — [FoMows him to 0. 

Brig You can easily find out all about it. Between women, espe- 
cially between sisters, things may be said which— there, there 
you must question her. Say to her, too, that M. de Vallaroel is a 
charming gentleman, high estate, plenty of money, no vices— and 
she must positively consent to marry him. 

Gil [Resolutely.] Oh, as for that ! [Shaking her head with dekrmi?iation. 

Brig You will do all you can to make her consent? 

Gil [Firmly.] Yes, everything in the world — and she shall consent. 

Brig [c] Well, that's fixed. Since you take it in hand there's no 
need of my bothering about it, [Gilberte smiles.] There, you are 
smiling again ! It does me good to see that ! But when I see you cry 
as you did a little while ago — I feel — there, there ! you must not be 
unhappy, Gilberte ! you must not ! Do you know that if you took it 
into your head to be unhappy 1 should be an abominable father? But 
you won't, will you ? [One arm around her waist while he arranges his shirt 
bosom with the of^er.] You love your paternal parent too much ! You 
will be happy, if not for your own sake, at least for your dear father's 
sake. [Kissing her.] You promise me, don't you? Good-by. Don't 
forget to talk to your sister as soon as she comes in. [About to go.] Ah, 
what did I do with that cap ? Oh, I remember, it's in my carriage. 
Tah, tab, Frou Frou ! [Exits c, and l. 

Gil [Sokis c] She will not refuse this time ! She can not refuse ! 
But if she should ? If she will not leave us — if she will still remain 
between me and my happiness ? What shall I do then ? Who will 
save mc from the wretchedness, the fate, to which they drive me. I 
have no husband, no father, to whom I can turn ! Ah ! my child, 
my child is left me. lie is there and near him I can be strong 

Unter Vincent, c. from l. 

Gil Wliat is it ? 

Prn [Smiling meaningly.] Monsieur de Valreas — [Gilbekie starts.] He 
desires to know if Madame — 

Gil Valreas I will not — [Sees Vincent .'smile and look at her in a manner 
of peculiar inquiry.] Show in M. de Valreas, and tell Pauline to dress 
-Georgie immediately and bring him to me ; I will take him out for a 
walk. 

Enter Valreas c. from l. Vincent exits, o. and l. Gilbekte turm 
harshly to Valreas, tcho comes forward a single step. 

Do you know why I consent to receive you ? Because that servant 



FEOU FROU. 41 

stocKl there and seemed to question why I close my doors against jou. 
Val [All earne tncss.] 1 have but a few words to say. 

Gil So much the better, f<.>r I have but a few moments to spare. 
[Pauses.] Why have you come here after that letter which I wrote 
you? Could you not understand that we must meet no more? 
Val In that letter you ordered me to leave Paris. 

Gil Well? 

Val I leave to-night. Did I not tell you so ? 

Gil [Mm-e harshly.'] I know very well you told me so, but what proof 
have I ? 

Val You have no right to doubt me. To you I never spoke any- 
thing but the truth. 

Gil [Softening.] Very well — you will go. I wish it. You should 
have gone without trying to see me. 
Val I couLl not. 

Gil [H'irshly again.] You could not ? 

Vtd You must not ask too much ? Think of what I was, and what 
I am. Who would recognize me ? I would have laughed at any one 
who would have predicted that I — one day, would feel as I felt after 
reading your letter. At first I thought I would be strong — leave Paris 
without seeing, without speaking to you. 

Gil That is what you should have done. 

Val I did not have the courage. After a few moments this enthu- 
siasm left me— I could think of but one thing — That I was to be sep- 
arated from you ; it overcame me ! I thought that if you had the 
right to ask such a sacrifice of me, I had the right to ask of you a 
few words at parting ; a few words that would give me strength to 
obey you. 

Gil Well, I— 

Enter Pauline, l. 1 e. 

Pau Madame — 

Gil [With a joyful cry.] Ah, Georgie ! Bring him to me at once. 

Pau But, Madame— 

Gil [To Valreas, interrupting Pauline.] I have no time to spare. I 
am going out ; you understand, I am going out with my son. 

Pau Master Georgie is not here, Madame. 

Gil [Agha.^t.] Not here? 

Pau No, Madame. Mademoiselle Louise took him with her when 
she went out. 

Gil [Violently.] Louise ! [Trying to calm herself] Very well, Pauline — • 
since Mademoiselle Louise has taken him out, that will do. [Exit 
Pauline^ l. 1 e. Gilberte sinks into a chair, l.] Not even my child is 
left. She has taken from me everything. 

Val [Trembling and coming a step toward her.] Gilberte ! 

Gil [Turning pleadingly to him.] Oh, you will go, will you not? You 
must go now, more than ever. Swear to me you will go. You 
know that I do not love you, that I will never love you. You should 
know it — and you love me ; that is why you must liy me ! Under- 
stand mo well ; if I Avere frivolous, coquettish, as they have said, and 
bad at heart, I would keep you near me to laugh at your sufferings! 



42 FROU FHOU. 

Many women would do this, but I will not. You will go — you will 
forget me— you must — [Yaj.ue\s tur7is from her.] but not too quickly. 

Vol [Turning and liking her hand.] Oh, Gilberte ! Gilberte ! 

Gil [ Withdrawing her hand.] To-night ! You will depart to-night ! 

Unter 8 ARTOUYS, C. from -L. Yat^uexs faces him. Gilberte tur7is awaj/ 

Sar You here, my dear Paul ? They did not tell me. 

Gil M. de Valreas comes to make his adieux. He leaves Paris 
to-night. 

Sar Not for long, I hope. Paris will not be consoled. [Offering his 
hand.] Hope to see you back soon. [Crosses to arm-chair near l. 

Vol Thanks. [Bowing to Gilberte ] Madame ! 

Gil [c] Farewell. [Exit Valrt^as c. and l.] I have done my duty, 
let rae see if the others will do theirs. [Aside. 

Sar [In chair l.] Well, my dear Gilberte, did your father succeed 
in enlivening you a little ? 

Gil [Going up and towards n.] What my father said tome was not 
precisely of a nature to— [//eans over the back of Sartor ys' chair, and as 
he loolcs vp at her, she looks him full in the face, and sags.] Louise is about 
to leave us. 

Sar [Starting abruptb/.] What? [Pause. 

Gil [Coldly.] M. de Villaroel lias asked her hand in marriage, and 
she will become his wife. 

Sar [ Very quickly.] It is impossible. 

Gil [Coldly.] What do you mean? A moment ago you made a 
strange movement, and now you have uttered a still stranger remark. 

Sar [Recovering.] I acknowledge, that at first I could not avoid a 
feeling of selfishness ; I was so sure Louise would never leave us. But 
I was in the wrong, and I regret it. 

Gil Then you will speak to her when she comes in ? 

Sar [Quickly.] Speak to her ? Then nothing is decided yet? 

Gil No. Louise as yet knows nothing. 

Sar Does it not seem to you that you would be better able to— if 

Gil [c] I ? What have I to do with serious things ? Do I under- 
stand them, I, Frou Frou? Now if it were to talk about a new 
toilette with Madame de Lussy. [Throws herself irito sofa and doubles 
herself up like a little girl in a;;ei.] I will not speak to her. You must 
do it ; and if I have any advice to give you, it is— speak to her so 
that you will decide her to go. [Markedly spoken. 

Sar [Astonished at her tone.] How ! 

Enter Louise, c. from l. Gilberte during Vie ensuing scene is immovable, 

except now and then to look at Louise. Louise, as she enters, takes chair C. 

and commences to take off her hat, gloves, dec. 

Louise I have seen Madame de Lussy, and I have seen the new gov- 
erness. She is a very nice person, and will come to us in a few days. 
[To Sartorys.] And you— 

Sar [Gravely.] I have seen about the purchase. But we have 
thing more serious to speak of now. 

Louise More serious ! For me ? * 



FROU FROU. 48 

Sar Yes. A raarriage ! 

Lo'Mne What— again ? 

Sar Tftis time M. de Villaroel. [Pause.] Ah, you don't say what, 
to that, I notice. 

Louise Well, M. de Villaroel is one of the most distinguished raen 
of the age. I should of course feel a little pride at his asking for my 
hand, and I do— and a great deal of joy, too ! 

Gil [Inferesfed.] Ah! 

Loiiise [Cas'.ing off her cloak or mantel.} Yes, a great deal of joy ; 
for when it is known I have refused to marry a man like him, it will 
be fully understood that I will marry no one, and then I hope they 
will leave me alone. 

Sar You refuse ? 

Louise Certainly I refuse. [Going near Mm at table and sitting.] Re- 
member, two months ago I would not come here, but you insisted on 
it. So much the worse for you ; for now that I am here, I mean to 
Btay. [Laughinghj. 

Sar But let us look at it in the proper light. 

Louise [Rising and speaking with erioHon.] Unless you are displeased 
with me, both of you ; unless those duties which you call wearisome, 
and which you gave into ray charge, have not been well performed — 
Unless you tell me that in staying here I am useless for your comfort 
or your happiness — 

Sar [Crossing to her.] No, Louise— but this has nothing to do with 
our happiness. It is of yours I speak. 

Louise Of mine ? 

Sar Of yours. 

Louise Then let me stay with you two, if you wish to make me hap- 
py, because I can not be happy if I am not here. Woman's character, 
to be complete, has two sides ; one is all youth, grace and pleasure — 
[Lidicating Gilberte.] that is hers. The other, which is all gravity 
and busy employment, is the one which pleases me the most. Thia 
side, necessary, but ungracious, which you asked of me as a duty, I 
now ask of you as my happiness. Besides, if you should send me 
away now, I would not go. 

Sar \ Crossing to Gilberte.] You hear what she says ? 

Gil Yes. 

Sar You know as well as I that when she makes up her mind, it is 
useless. [Laughs. 

Louise [Gaily.] Altogether useless. 

Sar [To Gilberte.] Still, if you would like to try yourself. 

Gil [Shortly, and putting her feet to floor.] Yes, I will try, 

Sar [c, to Louise, and taking her hand] I don't change my opinion, 
my dear Louise, and I think you ought to consent. But you give me 
BO much pleasure by your refusal, that I have not the Iieart to insist 
further. Not now, at least, 

Louise Not now, and never. 

Sar [Pressing her ha/icls, and gently.] You will repent when the right 
one comes^ 



a FROU FROU. 

Louise You know v^ery well that whsA I say to-day I shall s&f 
always. 
[FxU Saetorys, l. 1 E. Music pp till Gilberte speaks. Louise goes up 

towards c. to exit, but is intercepted by Gilberte who has risen and 

passing behind the piano comes face to face with her. 
} Gil Where are you going ? 

Louise To get a book that Georgie asked me for ; it is in your room. 

Gil [Resolutely.'] Georgie will wait for his book. [Louise steps hac? 
astonished at the tone and look of Gilberte, leaving her in c. Looise l. c. 
behw Gilberte. You refuse this marriage which is offered you? 

Loum Yes, I refuse. 

Gil [Smiling sarcastically.] And is it that you may continue to watch 
over our happiness that you do so ? 

Louise Gilberte ! [Shrinking back a step. 

Gil [Trjjing to suppress anger.] A worthy reason. [Advancing a step.] 
And I ought to thank you for it. But Avhat I have to blame you for 
is, that you have not equally divided your attentions in this house- 
hold between my husband and me. And for having bestowed them 
more cheerfully on one than on the other. 

Louise [Putting down things ] Sister, what do you mean ? 

Gil [Bitterly.] That you have lavished your care upon my husband, 
upon my child, but me you have neglected. And there you were 
wrong, because, had you looked around you, you would have seen 
that of all the dangers which threaten this home that you wished to 
preserve so much, the gravest of all might strike it through me. 

Louise I do not understand. 

Gil [Rapidly.] Do you not? Within this hour M. de Valreas was 
here at my side swearing that he loved me. [Locise starts in fear.} 
I told him that I loved him not. 

Louise [Breathless.] Well? 

Gil It was false ; I love him. 

Louise And you confess it ? 
' Gil [Sarcastically.] This, then, my sister, is something which you 
did not see with all your care, and it is what you should have seen 
before everything if you had performed well that duty which you 
accepted at such heroic cost. [Louise about to speak. Gilberte waves 
her to silence.] But I suppose that the absorbing attention you be- 
stowed on one side hindered you from v/atching the other. 

Louise [Coldly.] What you wish to tell mo is that you love Valreas 
—is that it? 

Gil Two months ago there was no such thing ; but within those 
two months many things have passed. That love has had time for 
birth and growth ! What at first was but a jest has become a danger 
— a danger so great that when I saw you had no thought of me, to 
saving me, I tried to save myself My husband, my child, I tried to 
return to them. But my child was no longer mine; you had come 
between us. 

Louise I will go, Gilberte. 

Gil You have estranged my child, and for my husband^ 

Louise Your husband ! 



PROU FROU. 46 

Gil When I saw you just now beside him, I recalled the past— my 
luspicions of other times and my suspicions to-day. 

Louise Your suspicions ? 

Gil Do not force me to say what I do not wish. 

Louise Say it ! Speak the words which burn on your lips — that 
four years ago I loved your husband — is that it ? 

Gil You dare speak of it ? 

Louise Yes, I did love him, but it was you that he loved, and, be- 
lieving that your happiness depended upon his love, I took your 
hand myself, and placed it in his, and that nothing should hinder 
your consent to that marriage I pretended to be glad, and yet, at 
that very moment, I sacrificed my heart fur you— for 1 loved him! 
I loved him ! 

Gil [Sarcastically.'] And, by the next day, I suppose, your love had 
vanished. 

Louise Not so. I suffered long, and perhaps my sufferings and 
sacrifice merited another recompense than this. You have forgotten 
your repeated efforts to make me come and live with you, and the 
surprise that my refusal caused you. You have forgotten that I did 
refuse to come. 

Gil [Sfernli/.] But you finished by consenting. ^ 

Louise Because I had conquered myself ; because I was sure I no 
longer loved him. 

Gil [Bitterhj.] Indeed ! Was it not rather because you thought 
the moment better chosen ? 

Louise Gilberte, you shall not speak to me so. 

Gil [Cjmmandingly .] It is the truth. 

/yOMzse Gilberte ! Sister! Was it not you who wished me — 

Gil Ah, you knew well how to malvC me wish what you desired 
most ; you are wise, my sister, and I was but a child in your hands. 
You knew well what you were doing after you had married us— after 
you had sacrificed yourself for us— since you knew one instant would 
Buffice for you to regain all that you boast you have given me, since 
now he is yours. 

Jjouise [Terrified.'] Gilbert, I will go I will leave you. 

Gil Another sacrifice still. No ! It is not you this time who will 
go. 

Louise What mean you ? 

Gil Heaven is my witness that I was sincere in my effort to resist, 
to defend myself ; but I am not strong enough for a lifetime of such 
efibrts. 

Louise [Motionless with horror.] What are you about to do ? 

Gil [Going up c] I acknowledge that I am conquered ! Take my 
place ! I give it to you. 

Louise Where arc you going ? 

Gil Ask me nothing. 

Louise Gilberte ! 

Gil [In c. doors, turns and faces Louise and speaks furimsly.'] Hus- 
band, child, everything you have taken from me ! Keep them well.' 

[Closes the doors. 



iQ FROU FROU. 

Lauiie [Ranmng to djor and hei'inj ajainst U.l Gilberte ! Gilberte ! 

ACT DROP. 

ACT IV. 

SCENE. — Thepaiaca of the Barberini, at Venice. An ancient inferior. Thg 
arched balcoiiy and columned entrance is seen at the L. , occupying tlie stage 
to M grooves. The entramefrom the canals is through the arch l. o. The 
entrance and exit for interior is l. 1 e. The canal, and view of Venice 
under a full sumet light, is seen upon the n. up stage, and through the hil- 
cony off L. Stage down r. for 2 entrances. Garden, r. ii. Garden 
sofa, L. II. 1 rmtic chair L. of table, and 1 tip stage. Zanetto discovered 
leaning out of bahong l. c. , listening to Barcarole, which is being sung by 
a party passing in gondola at back. After Barcarole, enter Pauline, l. 1 e. 

Pauline Zanetto ! Ah ! thers you are, as lazy as ever ! Come, 
stir your idle Italian legi. Madame wants you to run to the lodgings 
of the Count, and toll him she will expect him at tea. [Seeing that he 
doesn't stir.] Come, wake up — look lively — run ! 

Zanetto Run ? Whoever saw Zanetto run ? It's not my business 
to run of errands. 

Pau It isn't ? What is your business then ? 

Zan My business is to carry with grace the costume of the native 
gondolier of sunny Italy ; to sing the national airs, and to eat, drink 
and be merry, like a true sunny Italian. Nevertheless, to oblige 
Madame, I will carry the message to Monsieur de Valreas, 

Pau I thought you would, since he givei its value in gold for every 
message you bring him. 

Zan [dming down c] Ah ! we descendants of sunny Italy are very 
poor, and the Count is very liberal. Not so liberal as your lady, 
though. See how beautifully she has fitted up this old {.alace. 

Pau Yes ; and she's only been here six weeks, to do '.t all. But it 
co^t her a deal of money to make your dirty old palace ^c to live in. 

Zan Money ! I believe you. And talking of moccjy [Pulls paper out 
of his pocket.] look at this. 

Pau What's that ? One of your Italian lovr. Bcr.,o;j, djdicated to 
me? [ Taking paper. ] 

Zin No ; it's a little bill, dedicated to year 'jJ/. And here's 
another. They amount to 2000 francs ; not vf.y.c\. foe sr.ch a princess 
as your lady, but a fortune for us poor sons of f.cjj)/ Icaly. 

Pau [Taking bills.] All right, my sunny l'al>.A. And uow go. 

Zan III fly. [Aside.] No doubt I'll n.ee.i 'Ac Count on the way 
here, I always do. And of course he'Ii /J^dfs r^uoh for half the 
distance as the whole. iSxarJcrs of lazily l. c. 

Pau Well, I've heard of romantic Ita^/, ?M -.omantic Venice ; but 
when they send in their bills, where' s 'r.ft .omitnce? Ah! [Looking 
at bill.] 2,000 there, and 2,000 here, '^^iJ morj thousands, again 
[Taking other bills from pocket.] make a pvy.Uj ■'.id/i-um for somebody to 
settle. 



FROU FROU. 47 

GiLBERTB enters from l. 1 E. 

Gil You sent my ^aessag'e, Pauline ? 

Pau Zanetto has just gone, Madame. [Pauline hideshiUs behind her.] 
I must speak to her of these things, some time. 

Oil What are you hiding there? What papers are those? 

Pau Me ! oh ! these — [Looking at bills.] these — these are— bills, 
Madame. 

Gil Bills ? 

Pau I did not want to worry you, Madame ; but the tradespeople 
have asked for Jiioney, 

Gil Money ? 8ure ; I had not thought of that. Give them to me. 
And so I am in debt. Don't be afraid, Pauline ; they shall be paid 

[Goes up to window. 

Enter Zanetto l. c. , with newspaper and a letter. 

Zsn I just got these from the postman ; and I thought I'd better 
"Ui'ing them in. [Gives them to Pauline. 

Pau [Aside to ZxiiEno.] Why didn't you go with your message to 
Monsieur Valreas ? 
[Zanetto loinks, points to l. 4 e. , and shows monei/ in his hand, and then 

goes off, L. 1 E. Pauline (jioes letter to Gilberte, who opens and reads.] 

Gil Ah ! from the doctor. 
[Tlien leans her head on her hand at table, ^avuse puts pnper on table. 

Pau [Timidly, after a pause.'] Pardon, Madame I — Madame said the 
letter was from the doctor ? 

Gil [Moved] And you wish to know what he says? Ah! kind 
Pauline. 

Pau little Georgie— Madame ? 

Gil He is better. The ncwo is good ; very good. 

Pau I am so glad, Madame, that the news is good. 

Gil [Kksing the letter.] Ye.i ; he is better ; and [ With an effort to conceal 
feeling.] his father, who, for a month past, was thought to be in dan- 
g«r — is saved. That, too, is what you wished to know, is it not ? 

Pau Yes ; Madame. 
[Gilberte buries her Jiead in her hands. Pauline, mth a pitying glance, 
exits quietly, l. 1 e.] 

Gil [After a pause.] One moment of anger, and this is what it has 
brought me. [Rises.] Well, it is too late now. 

Enter Valreas, l. c. 

Val Gilberte ! 

[Puts his hit on chair, and takes her hand, without enthusiasm, 
Gil [Eagerly.] Valreas ! 

Enter Zanepto, l. 1 e. , tvith tea service, whii:h he places on table m. 

Val [Taking of his gloves.] I am a little late. 
Gil Now that you are here ? 
2hn Your excellencies are served. 



48 FEOU FROU. 

G^jZ That will do. Go. [Exit Zanetto, l. 1 n.] Come. [7b Valreas. 
Goes to table and begins to serve tea.] 

Vol But you ought to know the reason ; for of course there must 
be a reason. 

Gil [Pauses as she pours out teiJ] A reason ? 

Val Yes ; my mother has been here these three days. £■' 

Gil [Sadly. Laying down tea-jyot.^ Ah, yes ! I knew. f 

Val Sitting at table.] You knew ? 

Gil For three days you have come late, like to-day. It was the 
first time, and you seemed strange. I could not tell why ; and so, 
when you left me yesterday — 

Val Yesterday? 

GU [Trying to smile.'] Why, a vailed lady in a gondola followed a 
young gentleman who stepped into another gondola — nothing more 
natural , in Venice, you know ? And that is how I discovered [Her 
voice trembling.] that your mother was here. 

[Twning from him— face to front. 

Val [Leaning over table.] And you did not speak to me about her? 

Git. [Huskily.] I did not dare. I was afraid. 

Val [Smiling.] Afraid? 

Gil Going to him.] Yes ; but I don't feel afraid now, for you smile, 
and that reassures me. 

Val But why should you fear? 

Gil [Sinking on stool beside him.] She hates me, does she not? 

Val My mother loves me too much to hate any one — [Slops. 

Gil [Looking into his face, and taking his hands in hers.] Any one who 
y ves you. Why do you not say it ? 

Val [Kitidly.] Any one who loves me. There. 

Gil [Bretthlessly.] But she would separate us ? 

Val She is going to pass part of the winter at Rome. She wanted 
D e to accompany her ; so she said. 

Gd [Same.] And you ? 

Val Could you doubt me ? My mother leaves to-morrow ; and she 
goes alone. 

Gil Alone ? Do not the Baron and Baroness de Cambri go with 
her? 

Val Ah ! you know that they — 

Gil Yes; I know they arc here. [Sadly.] "NYhy should I conceal 
it? I had hoped the Baroness would have come to see me. 
. [Hangs her head. 

' Val [Tenderly.] Gilberte! 

Gil [ With warm emotion, but not loudly.] What matters it ? What 
matters if they all turn from me, so that you remain? All myjife 
h m your luinds, now. I ought to remember that ; and — and— [Tears.] 
I ^rill be happy so long as you do not forget me. 

Val [Fretfully.] Why do you speak so? You know that.I^Vill 
af/rer forget — 

Gil [Brushing away her tears.] Yes ; I know — I know. 
[Lecvci his side and returns to Lib.'e as Zanetto enters icith dish of fruit, 
tvhich he places on Pille. 



FROU FROU. 49 

Vol Zanetto, give me the newspapers. 

Zan Here's the Figaro, excellency. 
[Hands paper, and after fumbling about table for a bit, and observing that 
neither speak tchile he is present ] 

Zan The sunny Italian is evidently not wanted. [Exits l. 1 e. 

Val It feels like home again, to read a Paris paper. Halloa ! 
first night at the Palais Eoyale. Commences at 8. 

Gil [Smiling.] We shan't be in time. 

Val No ; we're rather far off, in the first place — and then the paper 
13 three days old. 

Gil [Rising and leaning over his shoulder.] And what was the news, 
three days ago ? 

Val Let me see ; Isthmus of Suez— visit of the Empress —the raiu 
has played the deuce with the crops. That's not interesting. 

Gil Not very. And what else ? 

Val More isthmus — more — ah ! here are the theaters. 

Gil Ah ! how I used to love them. What are they playing? 

Val " The Last Day of Happiness," um ! "A Wife's Honor," at 
the Od^on, um ! "Patrie," at the Porte St. Martin. Ah! [Sighs.] 

Gil [Trying to conceal her feelings.] A new opera by Verdi, at the 
Italiens— 

Val And at the Gymnase. Ah ! Gilberte. 

[Looks up from papfr. Their eyes meet. 

Gil [Hands on the back of his chair.] Paul. [Both remain silent for a 
moment. The paper falls to his feel ; and he speaks in a voise groMt and sad] 

Val What are you thinking of, Gilberte? 

Gil You are not sorry for all this ? 

Val Gilberte ! 

Gil Say you are not sorry. 

Val [Throwing off his gravity and putting his arm about Iter waist a» sht 
itands beside him.] Why, certainly not? 

GU And you love me still, do you not ? 

Fnfer Pauline, l. c. 

Well, what i? U, Pauline ? 
Pau Th** Baron de Cambri, Madame ; and the Baroness. 
Gil [Wd'.i. joy, and making step towards door.] Ah! 

[The Baroness enters, and the two emh-ace long and lovingly. 
Bar Vj darling child ! 

GV [Through her tears.] It was so good of you to come. 
F'rHss [Taking her towards sofa, L.] At first the Baron would not 
e<»me with me ; but I ran away, and here I am. 

[They sit on sofa, their arms about each other. 

Enter Baron, l. c, first putting in his head. 

Baron Ha ! I thought better of it, and so /came. 
Val Ah ! my dear Cambri. [They shake hands 

Baron I say I thought better of it. My wife wanted to come alone; 
but I always make it a point, when my wife wants to go anywhere 



60 FKOU FROU. 

alone, to come after her directly. It is a good deal of trouble, phyei- 
cally, but it makes njy mind easy. When you are married, follow 
my example. Motto for husbands : Be attentive, and you will bo 
happy. 

Val You see, Madame. [Barokt bows to Gilbertb. 

B'ness Take him away with you, Valreas. He is always in the way. 

Baron My love, that's my way. But I say, Valreas, [bringing him 
down R. c, and speaking in a low tone.l Sartorys is here. 

Val [Starting f\ Sartorys! [Pause; then suppressing emotion, and taking 
Baron's hand.\ I see. You have permitted your wife to come here, 
BO that if anything should happen, Gilberte would not be left alone. 

Baron Exactly ! 

Val [Aside.] Poor Gilberte ! 

Baron You don't seem very happy. You must have known, of 
course, that he'd come some time. Human nature, you know ; 
human nature. 

Val There are some things which we are bound to expect, and yet 
which seem to be always far off; [Smiling.'] and death is one of them. 

[Goes towards ladies. 

Baron [Aside.] '* And death is one of them." Any man who talks 
in such a tone of voice as that, is sure to be popped over at the first 
shot. 

Val [To ladies, smiling.] You have much to say to each other, I 
suppose ? 

B'ness Indeed, we have. 

Val [Taking his hat.] We will go, if you like, and leave you to chat 
a little. 

Gil [Tenderly.] You will return soon ? 

Val Oh, yes ! The Baron will come back after Madame, and I wlU 
'•eturn with him. 

Baron [Aside. Going up.] Yes ; if Sartorys don't finish him. 

B'ness Don't be long. 

Val Oh, expect us soon. [Bows, and turns to Baron, aside.] Will 
the Baroness tell her ? 

Baron [Same.] The Baroness don't know that Sartorys is here. 

Val [Returnijig to Gilberte, and taking her hand over back of sofa and 
kissing it.] Farewell, Gilberte. [WUh deep emotion. 

Gil Until we meet again ? 

Val Until we meet again. [Exits l c. 

Baron [Aside and following him.] "Until we meet again." If that 
young man don't shoot quicker than he talks, he's a goner. 

[Exits after Valreas. 

Gil [7b Baroness.] Tell me everything. Everyf^hing that has passed. 

B'ness At Paris ? 

Gil Georgie ! My child ! 

B W'ss He is much better. I saw him in the park. 

Gil You have seen him ? 

B'ness Yes ; with his govemess. I kissed him once for myself, uud 
I don't knu.v how many times for you. 



FROU FROU. 61 

GU \Pressijig her hand silently , and turning aicay for an instanLl Thanks! 
tlianks ! And — Louise ? 

B'ness She has gone back to her father's. She went back after it 
was certain that M. Sart — [Checks herself.] after the doctors declared 
him out of danger. She and her father have returned to the old 
house at Charmarettes. 

Gil [Sadly.] Charmarettes ! [To herself with a stifled sigh.] Home 1 

B'ness Yes. 

Gil [After apause.] And me ? Do they speak of me ? 

B'ness Not a word. 

Gil Am I wholly forgotten ? 

B'ness Why, you know, my dear — after six weeks ! Of course, for 
the first fortnight every one had something to say. But dont be 
afraid ; every one took your part. And when Sartorys' lawyer told 
all Paris how you had sent to him the deeds conveying your entire 
dowry — two millions, I believe— to little Georgie— well, after that, 
nothing was heard against you. The severest among our sex began 
to plead your cause. Ah ! such courage is a fine thing, my dear, 
and precious rare, too. 

Gil [In half to?ies.] Then I am not overwhelmed with reproaches? 

B'ness Reproaches, my dear ! They know that you are happy, 
and you are very much envied. 

Gil [Drooping her head.] Happy ? 

B'ness Of course you are happy ! 

Gil Yes ; I am happy. [ Wuh a sort of terror.] What would become 
of me if I were not ? [Theg rise. 

B'ness Do you know that you have an elegant place— this old 
palace ? [Looking off, through her glass.] Delightful view ! You must 
he happy here ! How much he must love you ! I noticed his ex- 
pression when he left you, now. At first, I was afraid to come, for 
fear I should find you miserable ; but it's all right. 

Gil Yes ; he loves me. Why did I not marry him when — do you 
know you recalled it all when you spoke of home— at the Char- 
marettes ? You remember five years ago ? 

B'ness Yes ; I remember. 

Gil If I had married him, I would not now be here. 

B'ness Ah, my child ! the old regret — the old sigh of the broken 
heart — "It might have been." 
IFuts h:r hand on Gllberte s head, kindly, as she buries her face in her hands.^ 

Enter Pauline, l. c, in consternation. 

Pau Madame ! Madame ! 

Gil [Rising in alarm.] What is it ? 

Fau He is here ! 
[Whispers in Gilberte's ea?-, and poinis towards Q . doc/r. Gilbertk half 
stitagers aganU table.] 

G [To Baroness.] Go— I beseech you. 

B'ness Who is it ? 

Gil [Pointing to door L.] Quick 1 Enter there. Do not come till I 
call you. 



62 FEOU FROtr. 

B'nens [As if comprehending.'] Gilberte ! My dear Gilberte ! 

Gil [In her arms.] You will not leave me ? [ With tone of tenor, and 
quickie/.'] I may have need of you. Promise me ! 

Jj'ness I promise you. [Music till Sartorys enters. 

[Kisses her, and exits L. Gilberte mctions Pauline to retire, who goes off 

door L. Gilberts stands c, leaning against table; her face up stagey 

towards Sartorys, who enters l. c. , very pale, and frightfully changed.'] 

Gil [As if shrinking from an apparition.'] You ? 

S'T.r I. 

Gil I knew that you had been very, very sick; that you were almost — ■ 

Sar Yes, they told me that I was so ill, I must not hope. But you 
see I am not dead. When sufficient of my strength returned to me, 
as I had some business to conclude with you, I came. 

Gil Some business — with me ? 

Sar Yes, about — [He braces himself against back of chair. Gilberts 
goes towards him ; he recovers himself xcith emotion.] 'Tis nothing. I beg 
your pardon. I am still very — very — my throat is on fire — water — I 
can hardly speak — 

Gil Water ? [Goes to table, pours water in one of the glasses, and brings 
to Sartorys, who, noticing the double set on the table, points to them and 
refuses to take the glass. Gilberte, in despair, staggers back to table and sets 
down the glass.] Heaven help mc ! 

Sar It was about your dowry. 

Gil My dowry ? 

[Turning towards him again. 

Sar Yes, the money which you have sent to Paris. You must take 
it back again. I will not leave you exposed to — 

Gil I have already said— I do not need it ! 

Sar I know, I know, but you must. 

Gil No, I will take nothing— 

Sar Will you then force me to give you another reason. [Gilberte 
looks at him with frightened countenance.] I do not wish my son ever to 
touch one cent of that money. I will not have it, you understand ? 

Gil [Sinks into chair.] Yes. 

Sar And so that no one clt^e should be compelled to tell you, I 
have come myself ; and I leave you this. 

[Lays large envelope, heavily sealed, on table beside her and takes one step 
toioards door.] 

Gil You are going ? 

Sar Yes, now that everything is terminated — 

Gil [ With sudden recollection.] Valreas. You are going to fight him ? 

Sar Yes ! You expected it, did you not ? And I swear to you, if 
I had had the strength to come sooner — 

Gil [c] You, you fight, and for me ? For me ? [Hysterical laugh.] 
Frou Frou ! Think of it— Frou Frou means frivolity, trifles, dresses. 
What fearful fate, is it, tlien, which throws me amongst things so terri- 
ble as bloodshed and death. [He starts toward door ; she itops him by rvn-- 
ning before and throwing herself at his knees, clacping her hands before him.'j 
You shall not fight ! What ! a man like you to risk a precious life, 



FROU FBOtT. 68 

and for a woman like me ? [Tearfully.] There must be some other 
way to satisfy your honor. 

Sar [Biitedy ] My honor ! 

Gil The world, no matter what you may do, can never doubt your 
courage I 

Sjr You are mistaken if you believe it is of mt/ honor 1 think now, 
or that I have troubled myself one instant with what the world has 
thought of your fault or what it may thiuk of my vengeance. I am 
not a husband who comes to kill the lover of hia wife I I loved you 
—you have betrayed me because you love another— and I shall try 
to kill that other — that is all. [Goes toward door. 

Gil Ko, no, 1 alone am guilty. Crush me, but me alone. 

[Takes his hand— he tries to release himself. 

Sar Leave me. 

Gil What vengeance do you want ? I dare not speak of death for 
•myself — I would not have the courage to die — but there are convents 
— ck)se by there is one — take me there— I will go gladly — let its 
rfates close upon me and never again shall you hear of the woman 
^ho has offended you. 

Sar [Still struggling to get away] I told you — 

Gil Is that not enough ? — Think of some other punishment — any- 
thing — but do not condemn me to live with the horrible thought 
that a man has died through me ! 

Sar [Trying to unclasp Gilbert E's^/?(7ers.] All this is useless. 

Gil Mercy I 

Sar No ! 

Gil Henri ! 

Sar Call me not ! 

Gil Do not go — I will be your slave — I will love you 1 

Sar Wretch! 
[R^t(hes her ; she faints, still holding his hand; he drags her a few steps, still 

tryinjf to open her fingers ; when lie does, she falls across a chair at back; Sae- 

T0E.VJ starts to go out ; at hack he stops, comes back, looks at Gilberte a few 

minujs as if demented and Baroness enters ; Sartor YS, without saying a 

wordf points to Gilberte and exits. Curtain. 



ACT V. 

SCENE.- -Same as Act 2d, hut seemingly neglected; no flowers ; no music on 
piano; a lighted lamp on small table ; doors closed; the picture of Fnoxj 
Frou, which always stood on the easel, is eovered with a white cloth. The 
GovERMsa and Georgie discovered seated near the table, r. Stage half 
dark. Music at rise of curtain. 

Governess [Reading from story hook.] "The brave young prince at 
last arrived at the gate of the Magician's castle. This obstacle would 
have arrested his course, since all the art and all the strength of the 
world could not open a door which enchantment kept fast closed, 



64 FEOU FROU. 

had it not been for the ring which the Prince wore on hia flnget »*nd 
which the fairy had given him to protect him from the evil powtf of 
the magician Merlin. By accident, he placed that hand on the bars 
of the gate. As soon as the talisman touched it it ojiened and the 
Prince continutid his journey in search of the Princess. After having 
sought for her for two years, all the world over, he at length had the 
happiness to find her and conduct her home." 

Georgie And why did tine Prince seek for the Princess ? 

Gov Because he loved her. 

Georgie And found her at last ? 

Gov Didn' t you hear ? ' ' After having sought for her, all over the 
world, for two years, he at length had the happiness—" 

Georgie [Taking both her hands between his.^ Oh, if you only would-* 
but you musn't tell any one ! 

Gov If I only would ? — what, darling ? 

Georgie If you only would — we two might start now and go hunt- 
ing for mamma all over the world. 

[Governess kisses Georoib. 

Enter Angelique, l- o. 

Ang Mademoiselle! 

Gov [Turning and closing hook.^ What is it ? 

Ang Pauline— Madame's old waiting maid — 

Gov [Rising.] Madame' s old waiting maid ! 

Ang [Georgie goes forward, listening.] Yes, she is below and saya 
she would like to see Master Georgie. 

Gov [Drawing GnXfRQtE to her.] But — 1 don't know that I can per* 
mit it 

Ang Ah! Mademoiselle— poor thing! She says she will remain 
but a moment. 

Gov I really don't know if I can allow— nor do I know if I can 
deny— 

Enter Pauline, 0. 

Pau Mademoiselle, I beg you—! [Angelique exits, o. 

Georgie [Ru7ining to Favline.] It's Pauline! Oh, Pauline ! 

[Pauline stoops on her knees and covers the child vMh kissei. 
Pau You know me, Master Georgie ? 
Georgie Yes, I knew you right away. 
Pau How tall you have g own, and how pretty ! 
Georgie I haven' t seen you for such a long time. 
Pail Yes, a long time— more than six months. 
Georgie Why did you go away ? 
Pau [Looking doicn.] W hy ? 
G'«»v7je And mamma ? Where is she? 
Pau [Faliering] Mamma I^Georgie? 

Enta- Sartorys, l. ii. PaCLWE rises hastily. 

Bar {To Governess] Take Georgie to bv* room, Maderar iselle. 

[He kissi- the child. 



FROn FROtr. 55 

Ow [Crossing i.] Monsieur, if I have done wrong. 

Sar I do not reproach you! 
[ilotiojis for her to remove GEORaiE, and the Governess exitt l. 1 k. mth 

the childi 
\ Pau [l. c. ] I beg pardon, Monsieur ! 

Sar It is well. How long have you been in Paris? 

Pau Since yesterday. 

Sar Are you here— alone ? 

Pau No, Monsieur ; Mademoiselle Louise is her© with M. Brigard 
and— [Hesitates » 

Sar [3foved.] She? 

Pau [Loio tone, eyes on ground.'] Yes, Monsieur. 

Sar [Half audibly ] Near me —in Paris ! 

Pau We were only passing through ; to-morrow we goto the South 
— the doctors say it is absolutely necessary. 

Sar The doctors ? 

Pau Yes, Monsieur, we stopped here to consult them, and I 
thought that if Madame could have news of her child, it would do 
her more good than all that the doctors could say to her, so I came 
without telling anybody what I was about. 

Sar Pauline— z's she in danger ? 

Pau Yes, Monsieur. 

Sar Not in danger of death, however, not In danger of death ? 

Pau I think not, Monsieur. 

Sar You think not ? 

Pau I was more afraid of it six months ago, the day th-" 
Monsieur — [Pauses 

Sar Speak, I beg of you, Panline. 

Pau I thought Madame was lost ; it lasted three days ; Madam^ 
Cambri and I nursed her the best we could, but we thought^l'" 
moment she would die. At the end of those three days. Madem- 
oiselle Louise arrived. Madame did not recognize her at first, but at 
last she knew her. Mademoiselle Louise took her in her arms and 
Madame cried ; Mademoiselle Loufee kept her clasped in her arms, 
and both cried without saying a word. From that moment, my 
lady began to improve ; aftar a while she was able to travel and we 
all returned to Charmarettes — 

Sar And there she contiuned to improve, did she not ? 

Pau Yes, during the first two months ; we hoped, yet she was very 
pale, and her smile was very sad. Ah, if you had seen her so — ^and 
with a plain black dress now, which she always wears— she who used 
to— 

Sar Yes, yes— 

Pau And then Madame was always among the poor and tending 
the sick. At List, what Was inevitable, happened. After having 
passed several nights with a poor old woman— whose life shesaved-^ 
Rbe fell sick herself of the fever. We called In the physicians — those 
do^vn there sent us to those up here— the latter have decided what I 
told you a moment ago— that she must go to the South— that there 
Madame might recover, 



56 FROU FROtT. 

Enter Anqelique, 0. 

Ang Monsieur, Mademoiselle Louise is below. 

8ar Louise ! 

Pau [Frijhtened and taking a step forward to c] Ah, Monsieur, if Bhe 
has come here there must be — 

Sar R. c. What do you mean ? 

Pau [l. cl Thjit Madame must be very ill. 

Sar [Poinfing l. ii.] There— there you will find Georgie. You will 
be able to kiss him before you iBave. That way — go quickly. 
[Pauline crosses and exits l. 1 e. Sartorys makes a sign to Anqeliquk 
who exits c] 

Enter Louise. 

Louise [/n doorway c , quicJdy ] Geor,e:ie — her child I 
Sar [Going a step totvards her.] Louise ! 

Zrowise You can not refuse to let her see her child before she dies! 
Sar [Paralyzed.] Before she ! 
[Presses his liand to his heart and hoios Ms head suddenly as if a heavy blow 
had stricken him. 
Louise Yes, before she dies. 
Sar [Leaning against chair.] Ah 1 
Louise You do not answer ? 
', Sar He is there. [She makes the step forward ; he recovers; motions her ; 
\she stops ; he rings bell on table.] He will be brought — you shall take 
Niim with you. 
\ Louise J mil take him ? 
^Sar [Fixing penetrating glances upon her.] Is not that what you ask of 

Louise Yes, that is what I asked, but I hoped you would have re- 
^ ^1 differently. 

Sar What else do you desire ? 

Louist I hoped that you yourself would have taken Georgie to her ; 
that you would see her ; and that one word of forgiveness — 

Sar [Starting back.] Forgiveness ! 

Louise [Going to him supplicatingly.] Henri I [He turns away.] She 
is dying. 

Sar Dying I Oh, Louise— if I could !— My heart is torn by the 
most terrible sufferings that a man can bear— but, if by giving my 
own life, I could save hers— T would not hesitate one moment. J do 
not speak falsely when 1 say that, but I would lie if I said that I for- 
give her. 

Louise Have you not had your revenge ? After that comes forgive- 
ness. [Sartorys sinks into chair, clenching hands.] Has not the expia- 
tion been terrible enough ? Have not her sufferings — 

Sar Her sufferings! Look around you, at the house— desolate ! 
The child — deserted. Look at me, and tell me which you think has 
Buffered most, she or I ? 

Louise The good she did to those around her — 

Sar [ With intensity , and rising.] What have I benefited b5 the good 



FROU FROU. 6T 

she has done to others ? That does not lessen the blow she has dealt 
my heart. Why should I forgive her, because of the good she has 
done them ! Will you go ask the poor she aided, the sick she tended, 
and the dyiug whom she redeemed to curse her, because of the harm 
she has done to me ? 

Louise [Pleading.'] She awaits your forgiveness— and she is dying. 

Sar [Calmer, but resolute.] You wish me to utter a falsehood — is that 
it? Well I will do it. I can say that I forgive, but it does not come 
from my heart. The wound is too deep, the sorrow is too great. 

Louis [c] A sorrow greater than yours has forgiven her. 

Sar A greater sorrow than mine ? Of whom do you speak ? 

Louise It is your fault alone if I awaken somber memories. I spoke 
of that mother — 

Sar [Sinking into clmir again.] Louise ! 

Louise Whose son you killed. 

Sj,r [Struck with remorse.] Poor Valreas ! 

Louise She saw Gilberte dying, and Gilberte, dying, begged her to 
forgive both herself and you. 

Sar And that mother forgave ? 

Louise She forgave. 

Sar [Bitterly.] Ah ! you women, it is your religion makes you give 
the lie to your hearts. 

Louise [Reproachfully.] Henri ! 

Sar [Coldly f and crossing.] Take the child with you, 

Fnter Brigard c. He stops,] 

Louise Father ! 

Sar [Turning.] Monsieur !— you here ? 
J3rig She would come. I could not prevent her. 
Louise [Bzcitedly and going towards Brigard.] Gilberte ? 
Brig Is there ? [Pointing of c. Fxit Louise, rapidly, c. 

Brig [To Sartorys.] You will not refuse to see her ? It is only to 
die that she has returned to this that was once her home. [Music. 

Gilberte appears at back supported by Louise. She comes forward a few 
steps and sinks on her knees. Brigard takes a itcp towards her. 

GU [ Waving Brigard back.] Not you, my father, not you ' 

[Sartorys springs forward and raises her in his arms. 

Sar Gilberte ! my Gilberte ! 

Gd [Gazing tenderly at him and in a low tone.] Thank you, thank you. 
[Sartorys supports her to sofa and kneels beside her. Gilberte, after look- 
ing about her with a childish ^^mile.] At home, at home again. 

Sar [Tenderly.] Yes, at home, Gilberte! at home, and you shall 
.not die, you shall always remain here ! 

[Brigard and Louise by mantle, l. 

Gil [Smiling.] Always? 

Sar [Taking her hand.] Poor Gilberte ! 

Gil [Gently pressing hi^foreheid and pushing hack his Jiair.] You forgive 
mo, do you not ? 



68 FROU ifROU. 

Sar Yes, Gilberte, with all my soul. [Music. 

Gil After pressing her hand to her heart, as if seized with a sudden pain, 
and then, in a foreboding voice.l Georgie, my "little Georgie— bring him 
to me- 

Sar [Rising ] Yes, I will go for him. 

Gil [As if fearful of dying before he comes.] Now — now — 

[Sartorys exUs quickly, L. ii. Louise darts to Gilberte's side. 

Gil [Observing Brigard who is leaning on mantle^ back to audience.] Poor 
father ! 

Re-enter Sartorys, tvith Georgie, followed by Pauline, who goes to back of 
sofa by Gilberte. 

Gectrgie Mamma ! [Breaks away from his father and runs to her. 

Gil [With a todd cry, huff rising f] Georgie !— my son !— my child I 
[S!ie takes the chill in her arms and keeps him some minutes. 

Georgie You have come back at last, mamma ? 

Gil Yes, but not for a long time, my Georgie. Let me kiss you 
again — once more. [She kisses the child repeatedly.'] Louise 1 [Half 
fainting from emotion, she resigns him.] He is yours. I give him to you. 

Louise [ Who has come to the front of the couch.] Sister ! 
' Gd Yes, to you ! [Taking Sartorys' hand, who is behind sofa.] Once 
before— here~I said the same thing. Forgive me— forgive me all. 
Come close, both, and promise me, promise me I Ah ! 

[Hand to heart. 

Sar You will not die, my Gilberte, you must not ! 

[Brigard ./oms group about the couch. 

Gil [Looking on the group about her.] Not die ? when I am eo happy ? 

Brig My daughter ! 

Gil Do not pity me— be glad, my father. What had I to expect 
for my sin ? — to die abandoned — forsaken ! Instead, I die amid all 
my own — who love me. Happy, so bappy ? 

Sar [Taking her hand and kneeling.] Ah, Gilberte, it is not you who 
need forgiveness, it is I. 

Gil Forgive yon for— for what? For having loved me to well? 
Ah ! that has been my misfortune, all have loved me too well. 

Louise [Sobbinff.] Gilberte ! 

Gil And that is why I die— so happy. [Falling back.] Ah! 

All [Bdieving her dead.] Gilberte ! 

Gil [Supported by Sartorys who phces his arm tenderly about her as she 
raises her Imd.] Louise— where are you ?— Louise ! [Louise places a 
hand in Gilberte's without lifting her head.] Let me tell you— when I 
am dead— deck me out as beautifully as in the by-gone happy daj-s — 
cot in this black robe. Among my ball-dresses, you will find a 
^hite one, you know, the skirt is covered with little roses ; that is 
the one I want ; don' t forget— and you will see how handsome I 
Bhall be. 

Sar Ob ! Gilberte ! Darling ! 

Gil [Sadly smiimj— her eyes upturned to his.] You see— still the same 
— Frou l'xo\i—[Gromng insensible.] Poor Frou Frou I 



FROU FROU. ^^ 

l&r arm relax- her t^d /aZZ^-SAETORYS %3 her gently down a,id Umn 
*" iobhing aside.] 

cnxAUi* 



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An Old Score 

My Sister from India 

Maria Martin 

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Pretty Predicamant 

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Insured at Lloyd's 

Hand and Glove 

Keep Your Eye on Her 

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Up i n the World- 

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Who'll Lend me a Wife 

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Telephone 

Too Late to Save 

Just My Luck 

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Auld Acquaintance 

Weeds 

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